Sheet Thickness Detection With Width-Based Measurement Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sheet characteristic detection devices suffer from reduced accuracy in detecting sheet thickness when the width of the recording medium is shorter than the nip portion, leading to inconsistencies in thickness measurement.
Innovation Solution
A sheet characteristic detection device that includes a nipper, a sheet thickness detection sensor, and a hardware processor that corrects the detection value based on the length of the recording medium in the width direction to accurately calculate the thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional nipper structure is used to detect sheet thickness, then the device structure is simple, but the detection accuracy decreases when the sheet width is shorter than the nip portion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing a correction value that depends on the sheet width parameter. The hardware processor calculates a correction value based on the relationship between sheet width and nip portion width, then adds this correction value to the raw thickness measurement. This transforms the detection system from one that produces inaccurate results for narrow sheets to one that provides accurate measurements across all sheet widths by dynamically adjusting the measurement based on width parameters.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the nip portion is made larger to accommodate various sheet sizes, then the device can handle more sheet types, but the detection accuracy decreases for smaller sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by changing the measurement parameter through correction. The hardware processor determines the sheet width and calculates an appropriate correction value based on the ratio between sheet width and nip portion width. This correction value compensates for the measurement error introduced by using a large nip portion for small sheets, thereby maintaining both high adaptability to various sheet sizes and high measurement accuracy across all sheet widths.
3Measurement precision
If a correction mechanism is added to improve detection accuracy, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing what would otherwise require complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with a computational correction approach. Instead of physically adjusting the nip portion size or adding multiple detection systems for different sheet widths, the invention uses a hardware processor to calculate and apply correction values based on sheet width measurements. This substitutes mechanical complexity with computational processing, achieving high precision while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
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 device enhances the accuracy of sheet thickness detection by correcting for variations in width, ensuring precise measurement even when the sheet width is shorter than the nip portion.
Implementation Method 1
a sheet thickness detection sensor that detects displacement of the recording medium in a thickness direction at the nipper
Data Source
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AI summary
A sheet characteristic detection device includes, a nipper that nips a recording medium; a sheet thickness detection sensor that detects displacement of the recording medium in a thickness direction at the nipper; and a hardware processor that calculates a thickness of the recording medium based on a detection value detected by the sheet thickness detection sensor. The hardware processor corrects the detection value detected by the sheet thickness detection sensor or the thickness according to a length of the recording medium in a width direction orthogonal to a conveyance direction or the length of a portion of the recording medium in contact with the nipper in the width direction, and acquires the thickness of the recording medium.