Sensor Placement for Image Forming Apparatus Temperature Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in maintaining accurate temperature and humidity detection during image forming operations due to air heated inside the apparatus passing through environmental sensors, which can degrade measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus is designed with a specific arrangement of the environmental sensor within the casing, positioned between the air inlet opening and the rotational axis of the fan, and on the upstream side of the fan, to minimize the impact of heated air on detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the temperature and humidity sensor is disposed in the gap between the exterior cover and the frame, then the sensor can detect environmental conditions, but the measurement accuracy decreases due to heated air passing through the sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the air flow path into separate regions by positioning the sensor between the intake and discharge fans. This segmentation ensures that the sensor is exposed only to fresh air from the intake fan, while heated air from the discharge fan flows through a separate path, preventing thermal interference with measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary air flow management system using two fans to control air movement. The intake fan supplies fresh air to the sensor region, while the discharge fan handles heated air evacuation separately. This intermediary fan system acts as a mediator to protect the sensor from direct exposure to heated air
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
This arrangement effectively reduces the fluctuation of detection signals due to heated air, enhancing the accuracy of temperature and humidity detection during continuous image forming jobs.
Implementation Method 1
the fan is configured to take in air from an upstream side in the second direction and blow out the air to a downstream side in the second direction such that the air flow flowing through the air inlet opening, the fan, the duct member, and the air outlet opening is generated
Implementation Method 2
a sensor unit disposed inside the casing and configured to detect an environmental condition around the casing
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a casing accommodating an image forming unit, a fan, a duct member, an electric component, and a sensor unit. The casing includes a cover member, an air inlet opening, and an air outlet opening. The fan is configured to take in air from an upstream side with respect to a second direction and blow out the air to a downstream side with respect to the second direction such that the air flow flowing through the air inlet opening, the fan, the duct member, and the air outlet opening is generated. The sensor unit is arranged within a region between the air inlet opening and a rotational axis of the fan with respect to a first direction, and is arranged on an upstream side of the fan with respect to the second direction.