Toner Bottle Speed Control via Feedback Sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in precisely controlling the amount of toner discharged from a container, requiring high precision in rotational speed control to maintain consistent toner supply and prevent variations in print density.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus incorporates a rotation detection sensor and a feedback-controlled DC motor to stabilize the rotational speed of the toner bottle, ensuring precise toner discharge by adjusting the PWM setting value based on real-time measurements and sensor feedback, thereby maintaining consistent toner supply and preventing print density variations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If rotational speed control is implemented to control toner discharge amount, then toner supply precision is improved, but control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetoner discharge amount precisionVSAvoidrotational speed control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control by detecting the actual rotational speed of the toner bottle and comparing it with the target rotational speed. The control unit adjusts the drive signal based on the speed difference to maintain precise rotational control. This feedback mechanism enables accurate toner discharge control without requiring overly complex mechanical control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical rotational speed control mechanisms with an electrical control system. By using a motor driven by controllable drive signals and regulated through electrical feedback, the system achieves precise rotational control without the mechanical complexity of traditional speed regulation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If rotational speed varies, then toner discharge amount changes, but print density consistency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetoner supply rateVSAvoidprint density consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit continuously monitors the rotational speed of the toner bottle and adjusts the drive signal in real-time to maintain the target rotational speed. This feedback control ensures that the toner discharge amount remains consistent even when load conditions change, thereby maintaining uniform print density across the entire printing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic rotational speed regulation that adapts to changing operating conditions. The control system continuously adjusts the motor drive based on actual speed feedback, enabling the system to maintain optimal rotational speed and consistent toner discharge throughout the printing process, ensuring uniform print density.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This solution allows for high-precision control of toner discharge, reducing rotational speed fluctuations and maintaining consistent print quality by stabilizing the rotational speed of the toner bottle, thus ensuring accurate toner supply and preventing significant changes in print density.

Implementation Method 1

a rotation detection sensor and a feedback-controlled DC motor to stabilize the rotational speed of the toner bottle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotation detection:

Implementation Method 2

a feedback-controlled DC motor to stabilize the rotational speed of the toner bottle, ensuring precise toner discharge by adjusting the PWM setting value based on real-time measurements and sensor feedback

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFeedback control: Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2833217B1Image forming apparatus
Publication Date: 2017.09.06 CANON KK
  • EP2833217B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2833217B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2833217B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes developing unit for developing using toner electrostatic latent image respectively formed on photosensitive member, a mounting unit to which a container T is mounted, the container including a containing unit for containing toner and a pump unit, and performing a supplying operation for supplying toner by expansion and contraction of the pump unit, a driving unit for rotationally driving the container to cause the container to perform the supplying operation, and a controller for controlling a rotational speed of the container based on a time for which the supplying operation has been performed.