Sheet Conveyance Stiffness Detection for Image Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses cannot accurately set control parameters when the stiffness of a sheet differs between the sheet conveyance direction and the sheet width direction, leading to issues like paper jams and degraded image quality due to inadequate detection of sheet stiffness in both directions.
Innovation Solution
A sheet conveyance device that includes a stiffness acquisition part capable of measuring the sheet's stiffness in both the conveyance direction and the width direction by bending the sheet in these respective directions, allowing for appropriate control parameter setting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If only sheet stiffness in conveyance direction is detected, then detection device complexity is reduced, but sheet conveyance quality and image quality deteriorate when stiffness differs between directions
Solution Approach 1:
The stiffness detection function is segmented into two independent detection directions: one for conveyance direction stiffness and another for width direction stiffness. Each direction has its own detection mechanism, allowing independent measurement without interfering with each other, thus achieving comprehensive stiffness detection while maintaining manageable device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system is extended from one dimension (conveyance direction only) to two dimensions (conveyance direction and width direction). By adding detection capability in the width direction, the system comprehensively captures sheet stiffness characteristics, preventing conveyance quality degradation when stiffness differs between directions
2Reliability
If stiffness detection in both directions is implemented, then sheet conveyance quality and image quality are maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection device is designed with multi-functionality to perform both conveyance direction stiffness detection and width direction stiffness detection using integrated structural elements. This universal design allows one detection system to serve multiple measurement purposes, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The detection mechanisms for both directions are merged into a coordinated system where structural elements serve dual purposes. By combining the detection functions and sharing common components, the system achieves comprehensive stiffness detection without proportionally increasing device complexity
3Ease of operation
If control parameters are set without considering width direction stiffness, then parameter setting process is simplified, but image quality and sheet handling degrade
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by detecting stiffness in both conveyance and width directions, then using this comprehensive stiffness information to automatically adjust control parameters. This feedback mechanism ensures that parameter settings are optimized based on actual sheet properties, maintaining image quality while automating the complexity of parameter adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically changes parameters based on detected stiffness values in both directions. By adjusting parameters according to the measured stiffness characteristics, the system optimizes sheet handling and image formation processes, maintaining high image quality without manual parameter tuning
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
Prevents degradation in sheet conveyance and image quality by accurately detecting and accounting for differences in sheet stiffness between directions, enhancing the overall quality of sheet handling and image formation.
Implementation Method 1
acquires a stiffness of the sheet in a first direction including a component of a sheet conveyance direction by bending the sheet in the first direction
Implementation Method 2
acquires a stiffness of the sheet in a second direction including a component in a sheet width direction orthogonal to the sheet conveyance direction by bending the sheet in the second direction
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a sheet conveyance device capable of preventing degradation in quality of conveying a sheet and image quality even when a stiffness of the sheet is different between a sheet conveyance direction and a sheet width direction. A sheet conveyance device of an image forming apparatus includes an image forming part that conveys a sheet along a conveyance path; and a stiffness acquisition part that acquires a stiffness of the sheet in a first direction including a component in the sheet conveyance direction by bending the sheet in the first direction, and acquires a stiffness of the sheet in a second direction including a component in the sheet width direction orthogonal to the sheet conveyance direction by bending the sheet in the second direction.