Sensor Cover Conductive Surface for Optical Detection Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face issues with static electricity accumulation on sensor covers, leading to discharge noise that interferes with optical sensor detection, causing malfunctions and reducing detection accuracy, especially when the conveyance path is made of conductive resin which also affects transparency.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with an optical sensor and a sensor cover having an electrically conductive surface connected to the apparatus' main body, preventing static electricity accumulation on the sensor cover and thus reducing discharge noise intrusion into detection signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the conveyance path is formed of electrically conductive resin to prevent static electricity accumulation, then static electricity removal is improved, but transparency is deteriorated due to low or uneven transparency of conductive resin
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor cover is divided into two functional layers: a transparent resin body for optical transmission and a separate electrically conductive surface layer for static electricity dissipation. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor cover uses a composite structure combining transparent resin material with an electrically conductive surface coating or layer. This composite material approach provides both optical transparency and electrical conductivity, resolving the contradiction between these two properties.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional static electricity remover is used to remove static electricity from the recording medium, then static electricity removal is attempted, but the effect is insufficient and cannot prevent electrical charging of the sensor cover
Solution Approach 1:
The electrically conductive surface on the sensor cover acts as an intermediary element that directly contacts or nears the recording medium during conveyance. This intermediary structure provides continuous electrical discharge path, effectively preventing static electricity accumulation on the sensor cover itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor cover incorporates its own electrically conductive surface that automatically dissipates static electricity generated during the conveyance process. The system serves itself by integrating the discharge function directly into the sensor cover structure, eliminating the need for external static removal devices.
3Illumination intensity
If the sensor cover is made of transparent material to guide the recording medium, then optical transmission is improved, but electrical conductivity is deteriorated leading to discharge noise intrusion
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor cover is segmented into an optical transmission function (transparent resin body) and an electrical discharge function (electrically conductive surface). This functional segmentation allows the transparent material to maintain optical transmission while the separate conductive layer prevents discharge noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor cover employs a composite structure where transparent resin provides optical transmission properties and an electrically conductive coating or layer provides electrical discharge properties. This composite approach simultaneously achieves both optical and electrical functionality without compromise.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively prevents static electricity accumulation on the sensor cover, enhancing detection accuracy by minimizing discharge noise and maintaining transparency for the optical sensor, even when used with conductive resin conveyance paths.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor cover includes an electrically conductive surface on the first side. The electrically conductive surface is electrically connected to a main body of the image forming apparatus.
Implementation Method 2
The optical sensor detects reflected light or transmitted light via a sensor cover provided so as to guide the conveyed recording medium.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus configured to form an image on a recording medium. The image forming apparatus includes an optical sensor disposed on a conveyance path of the recording medium. The optical sensor is configured to detect position information of the recording medium conveyed along the conveyance path. A sensor cover is disposed between the optical sensor and the recording medium whose position information is detected by the optical sensor. The sensor cover is configured to guide the recording medium. The sensor cover has a first side facing the optical sensor. The sensor cover includes an electrically conductive surface on the first side. The electrically conductive surface is electrically connected to a main body of the image forming apparatus.