Sheet Width Detection Stabilization in Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses experience erroneous detection of sheet width due to changes in the distance between side regulating plates and the sheet during printing, leading to incorrect image formation conditions and user notifications.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a stack portion, a regulating portion to adjust the sheet edge, a rotary variable resistor for detection, a second detection device for sheet presence, and a control unit that calculates and sets the sheet width after a predetermined time, ensuring accurate detection and preventing erroneous settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the sheet width is detected immediately after the sheet is stacked, then the detection speed is improved, but the detection accuracy deteriorates due to changes in distance between side regulating plates and sheet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by waiting for a predetermined time period after sheet stacking before performing width detection. This delay allows the sheet and side regulating plates to stabilize their relative positions, ensuring accurate measurement. The control unit is configured to detect sheet width only after confirming the sheet is properly positioned, preventing erroneous detection caused by initial positioning instability.
2Measurement precision
If the sheet width detection is performed continuously, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by performing sheet width detection at specific intervals rather than continuously. The control unit detects sheet width at predetermined time points after sheet stacking, which is sufficient to ensure accuracy while avoiding the complexity and resource consumption of continuous detection. This periodic approach maintains measurement precision without requiring complex continuous monitoring systems.
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 erroneous detection of sheet width, ensuring accurate image formation conditions and user notifications by stabilizing the sheet width measurement over time, even with changes in the side regulating plates' position relative to the sheet.
Implementation Method 1
a first detection device which includes a rotary variable resistor and is configured to output a detection signal based on the rotary variable resistor, wherein the rotary variable resistor is configured to rotate in accordance with the sheet edge position regulated by the regulating portion
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a stack portion on which a sheet is to be stacked, a regulating portion, a first detection device which includes a rotary variable resistor, a second detection, and a control unit. The regulating portion regulates a position of an edge of the stacked sheet. The first detection device outputs a detection signal based on the rotary variable resistor. The rotary variable resistor rotates in accordance with the sheet edge position regulated by the regulating portion. The second detection device detects presence or absence of the stacked sheet. The control unit calculates a calculated sheet width of the stacked sheet based on the output detection signal. The control unit sets the calculated sheet width after a first predetermined time has elapsed since the second detection device detects that the sheet is stacked on the stack portion as a detected sheet width of the stacked sheet.