Intermediate Transfer Member Groove Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses using electrophotographic systems face challenges in accurately measuring the circumferential length of intermediate transfer members, which affects image density control due to variations in parts and environmental changes, leading to difficulties in aligning measurement positions for background and patch portions.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a rotary member featuring grooves along its surface, having distinct areas with different friction coefficients, utilizes a detecting member and controller to accurately determine the position based on light detection results, allowing for precise measurement of the circumferential length and alignment of measurement positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the circumferential length of the intermediate transfer member is measured by comparing output waveforms from the first cycle and second cycle, then the measurement can be performed dynamically, but when the output waveform has a small range, it becomes difficult to compare the waveforms and achieve accurate measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specific detection area on the intermediate transfer member with different friction characteristics (second area with smaller friction coefficient) compared to the surrounding areas. This localized differentiation enables the detecting member to identify a unique waveform signature corresponding to this specific area, providing a clear reference point for accurate circumferential length measurement even when overall waveform ranges are small.
2Measurement precision
If the positions of background portion and patch portion are aligned based on calculated circumferential length, then image density control accuracy is improved, but variations in parts and environmental changes cause the circumferential length to change, requiring dynamic measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing a detection area with distinct friction characteristics on the intermediate transfer member before operation. This predetermined feature serves as a reliable reference point that remains consistent despite variations in parts and environmental changes, enabling dynamic measurement of circumferential length and accurate alignment of measurement positions for image density control.
3Loss of information
If a detecting member is used to detect light from the rotary member surface, then position information can be acquired, but the output waveform range is small making waveform comparison difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by creating a localized detection area with distinct friction characteristics (smaller friction coefficient) that produces a recognizable and unique waveform signature. This localized feature provides sufficient waveform variation for accurate comparison and position identification, even though the overall waveform range remains small.
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 enhances the accuracy of image density control by dynamically measuring the circumferential length of the rotary member, improving the alignment of measurement positions and thereby stabilizing image quality despite variations in parts and environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a detecting member configured to detect light from the surface of the rotary member
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus which includes a rotary member and a detecting member configured to detect light from a surface of the rotary member. A controller is configured to acquire information relating to a position on the rotary member in a moving direction thereof based on a detection result obtained by the detecting member. The surface of the rotary member has, in a part of the rotary member in its moving direction, an area with a different detection result obtained by the detecting member based on a shape of the surface of the rotary member. The controller acquires the information relating to the position on the rotary member in the moving direction based on the detection result of detecting light from the surface of the rotary member by the detecting member.