Ultrasonic Wave Control Device for Recording Material Basis Weight Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face difficulties in accurately determining the type of recording material, particularly when dealing with varying basis weights, as the driving signals are not optimized for detecting thin or thick papers, leading to incorrect determination due to unsuitable output values.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an ultrasonic wave control device that adjusts the number of pulses in the driving signal based on the received ultrasonic waves, allowing for appropriate signal control and accurate determination of the recording material's basis weight by modifying the pulse number and transmission intervals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If driving signals are controlled with no recording material being placed, then the initial value of ultrasonic waves can be adjusted, but the driving signals are not optimized for detecting basis weights of various recording materials, leading to saturation or insufficient output values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of driving signal parameters (number of pulses, amplitude, frequency) based on the detected recording material type. The control unit modifies the driving signal characteristics in real-time according to feedback from the ultrasonic sensor, enabling optimization for each specific material type rather than using a fixed initial value setting
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes multiple parameters of the driving signal including the number of pulses (e.g., 1-10 pulses), amplitude levels, and frequency characteristics based on the recording material basis weight category. This multi-parameter adjustment allows the system to adapt to thin paper (75 g/m2 or less), ordinary paper (76-120 g/m2), and thick paper (121 g/m2 or more) with optimized detection conditions for each category
2Measurement precision
If a fixed driving signal is used for all recording materials, then the device complexity is reduced, but the determination accuracy for thin and thick papers deteriorates due to saturated or insufficient output values
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment by automatically determining the recording material type based on ultrasonic wave characteristics and then autonomously selecting and applying the appropriate driving signal parameters. The control unit independently manages the adaptation process without requiring external manual configuration, making the complexity management self-contained
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the ultrasonic sensor detects the recording material properties, the control unit analyzes the output signal characteristics (amplitude, frequency, attenuation), and then adjusts the driving signal parameters accordingly. This closed-loop control enables accurate determination while managing system complexity through intelligent feedback-based adaptation
3Power
If the number of pulses in the driving signal is increased, then the ultrasonic wave output is enhanced for thick paper detection, but the output value becomes saturated for thin paper detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different driving signal characteristics tailored to specific recording material types. For thin paper (75 g/m2 or less), it uses lower amplitude and fewer pulses to avoid saturation. For ordinary paper (76-120 g/m2), it uses moderate parameters. For thick paper (121 g/m2 or more), it uses higher amplitude and more pulses to enhance output power. Each material category receives locally optimized signal quality
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by using minimal necessary pulse numbers (1-10 pulses) and amplitude levels required for each material type rather than consistently using maximum power. This prevents excessive action that would cause saturation in thin paper detection while providing sufficient action for thick paper detection
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 approach enhances the detection accuracy of the recording material's basis weight by optimizing the driving signal in real-time, enabling precise classification of paper types, even for thin and thick papers, thereby improving the overall determination process.
Implementation Method 1
ultrasonic wave transmitting means for transmitting an ultrasonic wave
Implementation Method 2
ultrasonic wave receiving means for receiving an ultrasonic wave
Data Source
AI summary
In a device for detecting a basis weight of a recording material, an initial measurement is performed by using ultrasonic waves that have passed through the recording material, and the recording material is roughly classified first. By changing the number of pulses of the driving signal in accordance with a result of the initial measurement, the basis weight of the recording material can be detected by using ultrasonic waves suitable for the recording material, so that the detection accuracy of the basis weight of the recording material can be increased.