Sheet Physical Property Detection Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional physical property detecting devices have poor user workability and detection accuracy due to the need for users to insert sheets between detectors, leading to potential misalignment and repeated operations.

Innovation Solution

A physical property detecting device with a first detector for basis weight measurement without nipping the sheet and a second detector for surface and thickness measurement while nipping the sheet, positioned differently in the insertion and removal direction, along with sheet detectors to ensure accurate positioning and efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the sheet is nipped between the physical property detector and the mounting table for detection, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the user's workability deteriorates due to difficult insertion and removal operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoiduser's workability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The physical property detection device is divided into multiple independent detection units: a first physical property detector that detects properties without nipping the sheet, and a second physical property detector that detects properties while nipping the sheet. This segmentation allows different detection methods to be applied at different stages, improving both ease of operation and detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first physical property detector performs preliminary detection of the sheet's physical properties before the sheet is nipped by the second detector. This preliminary action allows the system to gather initial data without requiring difficult insertion operations, thereby improving user workability while maintaining detection accuracy through subsequent refined measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If the sheet is inserted into the nipping portion for detection, then the detection can be performed, but the user's operation burden increases due to repeated operations when detection accuracy is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoiduser's operation burden
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The detection process is segmented into two stages: initial detection by the first physical property detector without nipping, and refined detection by the second physical property detector with nipping. This segmentation reduces the need for repeated operations by ensuring accurate detection in the first stage, thereby reducing time loss and operational burden.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service detection by automatically detecting physical properties in multiple stages without requiring user intervention for repositioning or reinsertion. The detectors are positioned to automatically engage with the sheet as it passes through, eliminating the need for users to repeat insertion operations when detection fails.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If a single physical property detector is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the detection capability is insufficient for comprehensive sheet property analysis

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetector configurationVSAvoiddetection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The detection system is segmented into multiple specialized detectors: the first physical property detector for non-nipping detection and the second physical property detector for nipping detection. Each detector is optimized for specific detection conditions, providing comprehensive sheet property analysis while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The physical property detection device incorporates multiple detectors that can perform various detection functions: the first detector handles preliminary property detection without nipping, while the second detector performs detailed property detection with nipping. This multi-functionality allows a single device to comprehensively analyze different sheet properties under different conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11591174B2Physical property detecting device and image forming system
Publication Date: 2023.02.28 KONICA MINOLTA INC
  • US11591174B2 patent drawing
  • US11591174B2 patent drawing
  • US11591174B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A physical property detecting device, includes: an insertion part that includes an insertion port through which a sheet is inserted and removed; a first physical property detector that detects a first physical property of the sheet in a non-nipping state; and a second physical property detector that nips the sheet and detects a second physical property of the sheet in a nipping state, wherein the first physical property detector and the second physical property detector are disposed at different positions in an insertion and removal direction of the sheet.