Imaging System Steering Roller Belt Abnormality Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Imaging systems, such as printers, face challenges in detecting belt abnormalities, particularly the inclination of steering rollers, which can lead to belt breakage due to inadequate detection methods, resulting in operational inefficiencies and potential damage.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a belt abnormality detection device that includes a steering roller with a pivot shaft and sensors (contact-type, distance, and light-shielding sensors) to detect the displacement of the steering roller's ends, triggering a controller to stop the belt roller when excessive inclination is detected, thereby preventing belt breakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional detection methods are used, then the system is simple, but belt abnormalities cannot be detected accurately leading to belt breakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebelt abnormality detection accuracyVSAvoiddetection device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A steering roller serving as an intermediary component is introduced between the drive roller and the belt. This steering roller can pivot on its axis when the belt becomes abnormal (e.g., when foreign objects are caught), converting the abnormal condition into a detectable mechanical movement without requiring complex sensors directly on the belt

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex electronic detection systems with a simple mechanical pivot mechanism. The steering roller's ability to pivot mechanically indicates belt abnormalities, and this mechanical movement is detected by a simple sensor, eliminating the need for complex embedded sensors in the belt itself

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If no detection device is installed, then the device complexity is low, but operational efficiency decreases due to unexpected belt breakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoiddetection system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The steering roller is positioned to detect abnormalities before they cause belt breakage. By detecting foreign objects or belt deviations early through the pivot mechanism, the system can alert operators to clear the issue before it escalates to a catastrophic failure, maintaining continuous operational efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A sensor detects the pivot movement of the steering roller and provides feedback to a control system. When abnormal pivot movement is detected, the system can trigger an alarm or stop the conveyor, providing immediate feedback about belt conditions and preventing operational disruptions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11520253B2Imaging system

Publication Date: 2022.12.06 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

An imaging system includes: a steering roller located between a first belt roller and a second belt roller, that is inclinable around a fulcrum; and a sensor to detect an amount of displacement of the steering roller due to an inclination of the steering roller. A controller may output a command signal when the amount of displacement of the steering roller exceeds a reference value.