Ultrasonic Multi-feed Detection with Array Element Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-feed detection devices for sheet-like media, such as printers and scanners, face challenges in accurate assembly due to errors in the installation positions and angles of ultrasonic transmitters and receivers, leading to inefficiencies in detecting multiple sheets of paper.
Innovation Solution
A multi-feed detection device with a substrate-mounted ultrasonic transmitter and receiver, featuring multiple ultrasonic elements and a control unit that selects the optimal element for transmission and reception, allowing for easy assembly by eliminating the need for precise positional accuracy of the ultrasonic components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the ultrasonic transmitter and receiver are positioned with high precision to ensure efficient ultrasonic wave reception, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the assembly complexity and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic receiver is divided into multiple ultrasonic receiving elements arranged in an array. This segmentation allows the system to detect ultrasonic waves from different positions simultaneously, making the detection process more robust to positioning errors while maintaining high detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasonic receiver array can receive ultrasonic waves transmitted from any position within a wide range by selecting appropriate receiving elements. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for precise one-to-one positioning between transmitter and receiver, simplifying assembly while maintaining detection accuracy.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple ultrasonic receiving elements are used to cover a wider detection range, then the ease of assembly is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple ultrasonic receiving elements are combined into a single array structure that functions as one integrated component. This merging approach allows the system to achieve wide detection coverage and ease of assembly while managing complexity through unified control and processing of the array elements.
3Reliability
If the ultrasonic wave transmission direction is set diagonally to the substrate thickness direction to suppress reciprocation, then the detection reliability is improved, but the alignment precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects which ultrasonic receiving elements to activate based on the actual transmission-reception geometry. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high detection reliability even when the ultrasonic wave transmission direction does not perfectly match the optimal diagonal angle, reducing alignment precision requirements.
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 effectively detects the number of sheet-like media by transmitting ultrasonic waves and receiving the strongest signals, enabling accurate multi-feed detection without requiring precise alignment of the ultrasonic components, thus simplifying the assembly process.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic transmitter transmitting an ultrasonic wave and an ultrasonic receiver receiving the ultrasonic wave
Implementation Method 2
a portion of the ultrasonic wave is absorbed by the medium. Further, a portion of the ultrasonic wave passes through the medium. As the number of media increases, the ultrasonic wave is absorbed by the medium and thus an intensity of the ultrasonic wave passing through the medium decreases
Implementation Method 3
When the medium is irradiated with the ultrasonic wave, a portion of the ultrasonic wave reflects on the medium, and a portion of the ultrasonic wave is absorbed by the medium
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-feed detection device includes a transmission circuit substrate on which an ultrasonic transmitter transmitting an ultrasonic wave is installed, and an ultrasonic receiver receiving the ultrasonic wave. The ultrasonic transmitter transmits the ultrasonic wave in a direction intersecting a thickness direction of the transmission circuit substrate and at least one of the ultrasonic transmitter and the ultrasonic receiver has a plurality of ultrasonic elements.