Ultrasonic Sheet Thickness Detection via Dual-Path Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image reading apparatuses often fail to accurately distinguish between single sheets of varying thickness and multifeed conditions, leading to incorrect decisions about paper jam prevention.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus that uses ultrasonic waves to detect sheet thickness and multifeed conditions by comparing reflected and permeated ultrasonic wave volumes with reference values, employing a transmitter, reflected ultrasonic wave receiver, permeated ultrasonic wave receiver, and a decider to identify sheet type and prevent erroneous multifeed detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single sensor is used to detect paper thickness, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates because the sensor cannot accurately distinguish between single sheets of varying thickness and multifeed conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into two independent detection paths: a reflected ultrasonic wave detection path and a permeated ultrasonic wave detection path. Each path uses its own sensor to detect specific characteristics of the sheet, allowing the system to distinguish between single sheets of varying thickness and multifeed conditions by analyzing both detection results together.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from one-dimensional detection (single sensor measuring only reflected or only permeated waves) to two-dimensional detection by simultaneously measuring both reflected ultrasonic wave volume and permeated ultrasonic wave volume. This dimensional expansion enables accurate differentiation between sheet types and multifeed conditions.
2Device complexity
If reflected ultrasonic wave detection alone is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision worsens because the system cannot accurately identify sheet thickness variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges two detection methods: reflected ultrasonic wave detection and permeated ultrasonic wave detection. By combining the results from both detection paths, the system achieves superior sheet thickness identification accuracy compared to either method alone, while maintaining manageable device complexity through integrated processing.
3Device complexity
If permeated ultrasonic wave detection alone is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision worsens because the system cannot accurately distinguish between thin sheets and multifeed
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines permeated ultrasonic wave detection with reflected ultrasonic wave detection. The permeated wave detection path provides information about sheet transmission characteristics, while the reflected wave detection path provides information about sheet surface properties. Together, they enable accurate distinction between thin sheets and multifeed conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds another detection dimension by incorporating reflected ultrasonic wave measurement alongside permeated ultrasonic wave measurement. This dual-dimensional approach provides sufficient information to accurately identify sheet thickness and detect multifeed conditions that would be difficult to distinguish using permeated wave detection alone.
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
Effectively differentiates between plain, thick, and thin papers, and accurately determines if multifeed is occurring, preventing unnecessary operation suspension and ensuring proper paper handling.
Implementation Method 1
The reflected ultrasonic wave receiver receives reflected ultrasonic wave, transmitted from the transmitter and reflected by the sheet
Implementation Method 2
The permeated ultrasonic wave receiver receives permeated ultrasonic wave, transmitted by the transmitter and permeated through the sheet
Data Source
AI summary
A transmitter transmits ultrasonic wave of a predetermined volume. A reflected ultrasonic wave receiver receives reflected ultrasonic wave, transmitted from the transmitter and reflected by a sheet. A permeated ultrasonic wave receiver receives permeated ultrasonic wave, transmitted by the transmitter and permeated through the sheet. A volume detector detects reflected volume of the reflected ultrasonic wave, and permeated volume of the permeated ultrasonic wave. The decider identifies a thickness of the sheet being transported by a transport device, and decides whether multifeed of the sheets is occurring, on a basis of a comparison result between the detected reflected volume and a reference reflected volume, and a comparison result between the detected permeated volume and a reference permeated volume.