Sensor Parity Monitoring for Belt Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing position detection systems for intermediate transfer belts in image forming apparatuses cannot detect sensor failures, leading to potential errors or belt breakage due to incorrect position correction based on erroneous sensor readings.
Innovation Solution
A position detection apparatus with a swinging member and multiple sensors, where the sum total of sensor output signals is designed to be either even or odd, allowing the detection unit to identify sensor failures by determining the parity of the signal sum, thereby preventing erroneous corrections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to detect belt position, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates because sensor failure cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates the sum of output signals from multiple sensors and compares it against an expected value to detect sensor failures. When the sum deviates from the expected value, the system identifies a sensor failure and can take corrective action, thereby maintaining reliability while using multiple sensors for precise measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter being monitored from individual sensor outputs to the sum of all sensor outputs. By calculating and comparing the total sum against a predetermined expected value, the system can detect when a sensor fails without sacrificing the precision benefits of using multiple sensors
2Device complexity
If sensor failure is not detected, then device complexity is reduced, but harmful factors increase due to erroneous position correction
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of sensor failures by continuously monitoring the sum of sensor outputs before position correction is applied. This allows the system to identify and flag sensor failures in advance, preventing erroneous corrections from being executed and avoiding harmful effects
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 system effectively detects sensor failures, preventing excessive deviation errors and belt breakage by ensuring accurate position correction and enhancing the reliability of the belt-deviation-amount detection.
Implementation Method 1
two transmission optical sensors disposed on the other end of the swinging arm... detect the deviation amount of the belt corresponding to light amount variation due to change in a shield factor
Data Source
AI summary
A position detection apparatus detects a position of a target in a predetermined direction. One end of a swinging member contacts the target, and the other end contacts a moving member. Sensors are arranged to output signals corresponding to a position of the moving member that corresponds to a position of the moving member. A detection unit detects the position of the target based on the output signals of the sensors. Measured parts are disposed on the moving member along loci of measuring positions of the sensors so that the sum total of the output signals becomes an even number. The detection unit determines that any one of the sensors failed in a case where the sum total of the output signals of the sensors is an odd number.