Sensor Unit for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatus requires multiple sensors to detect various behaviors, leading to increased size and cost due to the need for separate sensors for each detection task, such as sheet jam and pressure states within the fixing unit.
Innovation Solution
A sensor unit that includes a rotatable first movable member, a sensor to detect its position, and a second movable member with a guiding function, allowing the detection of multiple behaviors using a single sensor by changing the functional state based on the position of a member-to-be-detected relative to the first movable member, thereby reducing the number of sensors needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple sensors are provided for detecting various behaviors (sheet jam, pressure states, timing), then detection coverage is improved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor unit is designed to perform multiple detection functions using a single integrated sensor. The sensor detects both the rotational phase of the eccentric cam (pressure state) and sheet feeding status (jam detection) through different operational modes, eliminating the need for separate sensors for each function and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive detection coverage
2Device complexity
If a sensor detects both rotational phase and sheet feeding status, then the number of sensors is reduced, but detection precision for each behavior may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor unit dynamically switches between different detection modes based on the operational state. The sensor detects rotational phase information when the eccentric cam is rotating normally, and switches to detecting sheet feeding status when a jam condition is suspected, allowing precise detection of each behavior at the appropriate time without interference from the other function
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 solution allows for the detection of multiple behaviors, including sheet jam and pressure states, within the image forming apparatus, reducing the overall size and cost by consolidating sensor functions.
Implementation Method 1
an urging member configured to urge the member-to-be-detected toward a position in which a phase of the member-to-be-detected relative to the first movable member is a first phase
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor unit includes a first movable member including a member-to-be-detected, a sensor, and a second movable member. When a sheet is normally fed, the first movable member is in a first position, the member-to-be-detected is in a first phase, the second movable member is in a second position, and a functional/non-functional state of the member-to-be-detected is one state. When the sheet is not fed and the first movable member is in a second position, the member-to-be-detected is in the first phase, the second movable member is in a third position, and the functional/non-functional state is the other state. When the first movable member is in the first position and the second movable member is in a fourth position, by movement of the member-to-be-detected to a second phase, the functional/non-functional state is changed from the one state to the other state and an output of the sensor changes.