Sheet Detection Device Using Multiple Magnetic Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet detection mechanisms in printers face issues with erroneous signal determination due to the use of optical or magnetic sensing elements that only detect 'YES' or 'NO' signals, leading to inaccuracies in sheet size determination when the paper guide shifts slightly.
Innovation Solution
A sheet detection device and method that utilize multiple magnetic sensing elements positioned differently to generate distinct voltage signals corresponding to a magnetic element on the paper guide. A processing element determines the relative positions of the magnetic element based on these voltage signals, allowing for precise determination of the sheet size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If optical sensor or magnetic sensing element is used to detect sheet size, then detection speed is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to YES/NO signal limitation
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple magnetic sensing elements (first magnetic sensing element, second magnetic sensing element, etc.) positioned at different locations. Each sensing element generates a voltage signal that provides partial information about the magnetic element's position. By combining signals from multiple segmented sensors, the system achieves both fast detection and high precision sheet size measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes from binary YES/NO signal detection to continuous voltage signal detection. The magnetic sensing elements generate voltage signals whose magnitudes vary continuously based on the relative position between the magnetic element and each sensing element. This parameter change enables precise determination of sheet size by analyzing the specific voltage values rather than simple presence/absence signals.
2Device complexity
If single magnetic sensing element is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to inability to accurately determine position
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is segmented across multiple magnetic sensing elements positioned at different locations relative to the magnetic element's travel path. This segmentation allows the system to reliably determine the magnetic element's stopping position by comparing signals from multiple sensors, thereby improving detection reliability while maintaining reasonable device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from multiple magnetic sensing elements to accurately determine the stopping position of the magnetic element. The processing element analyzes the voltage signals from all magnetic sensing elements to identify which one generated the maximum signal, providing reliable feedback about the magnetic element's position and enabling accurate sheet size detection.
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 solution effectively avoids erroneous signal determination and allows for precise measurement of sheet size by using multiple magnetic sensing elements to generate varying voltage signals, enabling accurate positioning of the paper guide.
Implementation Method 1
a first magnetic sensing element and a second magnetic sensing element disposed in the paper tray... the first magnetic sensing element generating a first voltage signal corresponding to the magnetic element; the second magnetic sensing element generating a second voltage signal corresponding to the magnetic element
Data Source
AI summary
A detecting method of a sheet detection device includes: generating, by a first magnetic sensing element, a first voltage signal corresponding to a magnetic element; generating, by a second magnetic sensing element, a second voltage signal corresponding to the magnetic element; determining, by a processing element, a first relative position of the magnetic element relative to the first magnetic sensing element according to the first voltage signal; determining, by the processing element, a second relative position of the magnetic element relative to the second magnetic sensing element according to the second voltage signal; determining, by the processing element, a stopping position of the magnetic element according to the first relative position and the second relative position; determining, by the processing element, a paper size of a paper abutted by a paper guide according to the stopping position. A sheet detection device is also disclosed.