Waste Toner Density Detection via Rotation Amplitude Variation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image formation apparatuses face challenges in accurately detecting the amount of waste toner in waste toner accommodation units due to issues like uneven liquid levels and sensor soiling, which hinder the development of miniaturized, simplified, and inexpensive designs.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a rotation unit with a segmentation unit and a toner density detection mechanism, using a photo sensor to detect a predetermined amount of waste toner by varying the amplitude of a plate as the rotation unit rotates, eliminating the need for liquid level detection and ensuring precise toner exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an optical sensor is used to detect the liquid level of waste toner, then the amount of waste toner can be detected, but the detection accuracy is affected by uneven liquid levels and sensor soiling
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the detection parameter from liquid level (height) to toner density (mass per volume). By measuring the density of waste toner in the accommodation chamber, the system can accurately determine the amount of toner regardless of liquid level unevenness or sensor soiling, as density is an intrinsic property that doesn't depend on these external factors.
2Measurement precision
If a liquid level detection system is implemented, then waste toner amount can be monitored, but the system becomes complex and requires additional components for leveling and margin capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the complex liquid level detection and leveling mechanisms from the system. By directly measuring toner density using a simple sensor in the waste toner accommodation chamber, the system achieves accurate detection without requiring liquid level sensors, leveling mechanisms, or additional margin capacity designs.
3Measurement precision
If the waste toner accommodation unit is designed with margin capacity and leveling mechanisms, then detection accuracy can be maintained, but the unit size increases and serviceability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By changing from liquid level detection to density detection, the invention eliminates the need for margin capacity and leveling mechanisms. The waste toner accommodation chamber can be designed as a simple, compact container without additional features, making it smaller and easier to exchange while maintaining accurate detection capability through density measurement.
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 allows for accurate detection of the waste toner amount without liquid level considerations, enabling timely exchange and reducing the need for additional features like load torque measurement, thus enabling a miniaturized, simplified, and cost-effective image formation apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a photo sensor 9C for detecting an amount of the waste toner 30
Data Source
AI summary
An image formation apparatus has a waste toner accommodation unit including a toner transporting rotation member covered with a fixed pipe. As the member rotates, waste toner in the pipe is transported downstream A fin involved in detecting an amount of toner moves upward and downward with a predetermined amplitude as the member rotates. The pipe has a projection secured by an elastic member to a bottom of the waste toner accommodation unit, and when waste toner reaches the level of the pipe, the waste toner is compressed in the pipe downstream and thus increases in density, and together with the waste toner the pipe starts to rotate. As a result, the projection rotates to a position allowing it to interfere with the fin, and the fin decreases in amplitude. Such variation in amplitude is detected by a sensor and a state full of toner is thus detected.