Shared Reception Unit for Sound and Ultrasonic Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Equipping a single image forming apparatus with functions for both recording material type determination and abnormality diagnosis leads to increased size, number of parts, and cost, and poses challenges in simultaneously detecting basis weight and operation sound using a shared reception unit.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus incorporates a transmission unit for ultrasonic waves, a shared reception unit for sound and ultrasonic waves, a first detection unit for operation sound, a second detection unit for basis weight, a switching unit, and a control unit that switches the output destination of the reception signal between the detection units at appropriate timings to avoid overlapping detection times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single reception unit is shared for both operation sound detection and basis weight detection, then the apparatus size and part count are reduced, but the detection timing control becomes complex and conflicting
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic action by alternately switching the reception unit between operation sound detection mode and basis weight detection mode at different time periods. The control unit coordinates the transmission unit and reception unit to perform basis weight detection during conveyance periods, while operation sound detection is performed during non-conveyance periods, thereby resolving the timing conflict through periodic temporal separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies dynamics by making the reception unit dynamically switchable between different detection functions. The switching unit dynamically reconfigures the signal path to connect the reception unit to either the operation sound detection unit or the basis weight detection unit based on the current operational phase, enabling flexible adaptation to different detection requirements without permanent dedicated hardware for each function.
2Reliability
If separate reception units are used for operation sound detection and basis weight detection, then the detection accuracy and reliability are improved, but the apparatus size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements universality by designing a single reception unit that can perform multiple detection functions. The reception unit is capable of receiving both operation sounds during conveyance and ultrasonic waves for basis weight detection during non-conveyance periods. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated reception units while maintaining detection reliability through proper temporal separation of functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the operation sound detection function and basis weight detection function into a single integrated detection system. By combining these functions and sharing the reception unit, the apparatus reduces the number of parts and overall complexity while maintaining the reliability of both detection functions through coordinated temporal operation controlled by the control unit.
3Productivity
If simultaneous detection of operation sound and basis weight is performed, then the productivity and efficiency are improved, but the signal interference and detection accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action to alternate between different detection functions in time. During conveyance periods, the system performs basis weight detection using ultrasonic waves. During non-conveyance periods, the system performs operation sound detection. This periodic temporal separation prevents signal interference between the two detection functions while maintaining high detection efficiency through continuous alternating operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuity of useful action by ensuring that detection activities continue without interruption through alternating functions. While one detection function is active, the other is prepared or in transition, ensuring that the overall detection process remains continuous and efficient. The control unit coordinates transitions to maintain uninterrupted detection coverage.
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 configuration allows for appropriate control of basis weight and operation sound detection timings, enabling efficient sharing of the reception unit and reducing the apparatus's size, part count, and cost while maintaining effective detection capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a transmission unit configured to transmit an ultrasonic wave toward a conveyance path along which the recording material is conveyed
Implementation Method 2
a reception unit disposed at a position opposite to the transmission unit with respect to the conveyance path, and configured to receive a sound wave or the ultrasonic wave
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a first detector detecting an operation sound based on a sound wave received by a receiver; a second detector detecting basis weight of recording material based on an ultrasonic wave transmitted from a transmitter and received by the receiver; a switching unit that switches destination of a reception signal from the receiver between a first path to the first detector and a second path to the second detector; and a controller that controls the switching unit such that the reception signal is output to the first path at a first timing and to the second path at a second timing. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the controller controls the switching unit such that the reception signal is output to the second path at the first timing or to the first path at the second timing.