Ultrasonic Multi-feed Detection for Paper Jam Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-feed detection apparatuses face challenges in safely and efficiently determining whether to return thin paper media to the medium tray without causing damage or jam, as they often attempt to automatically return media, which can lead to damage or jamming issues.
Innovation Solution
A multi-feed detection apparatus using an ultrasonic sensor to transmit and receive waves, determining normal feeding based on signal thresholds, and controlling the feed module to return media to the tray only when the signal indicates a multi-feed of non-thin paper, thereby avoiding damage to thin paper media.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the apparatus automatically returns fed medium to the medium tray when multi-feed is detected, then user convenience is improved, but thin paper media may be damaged or jam
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of threshold values for ultrasonic signal detection. By setting a first threshold value for multi-feed detection and a second threshold value (smaller than the first) for determining automatic return, the system can distinguish between thin paper multi-feed (signal between first and second threshold) and non-thin paper multi-feed (signal below second threshold), enabling conditional automatic return that avoids damaging thin paper while maintaining convenience for thicker media
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the automatic return function based on real-time ultrasonic signal measurements. Instead of a fixed automatic return policy, the system evaluates the signal value against threshold criteria and selectively enables or disables the automatic return action, making the system adaptive to different medium types and preventing damage to thin paper while maintaining user convenience for appropriate cases
2Device complexity
If the apparatus uses a single threshold value for multi-feed detection, then detection simplicity is maintained, but accurate distinction between thin and non-thin paper multi-feed is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a second parameter (threshold value) that changes based on the desired detection precision. By establishing two distinct threshold values (first threshold for multi-feed detection, second threshold for automatic return determination), the system achieves accurate distinction between thin and non-thin paper multi-feed while maintaining relatively simple detection logic through sequential threshold comparison
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 apparatus effectively determines when to return media to the tray, preventing damage and jamming, especially for thin paper, while ensuring efficient operation and user convenience by distinguishing between non-thin and thin paper multi-feeds based on ultrasonic signal thresholds.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic transmitter to transmit an ultrasonic wave
Implementation Method 2
an ultrasonic receiver to generate an electrical signal corresponding to a received ultrasonic wave
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a multi-feed detection apparatus, a control method, and a control program to suitably determine whether or not the multi-feed detection apparatus returns a fed medium to a direction of a medium tray when multi-feed has occurred. A multi-feed detection apparatus includes an ultrasonic sensor to generate an ultrasonic signal, a multi-feed determination module to determine that feeding of the medium is normal when a signal value of the ultrasonic signal is equal to or more than a first threshold value, and determine that a multi-feed of the medium has occurred when the signal value of the ultrasonic signal is less than the first threshold value, and a control module to control the feed module to return the fed medium to a direction of the medium tray when the signal value of the ultrasonic signal is less than a second threshold value smaller than the first threshold value.