Xerox Project: Paper Velocity Detection
Team 15
Abstract
Our design team underwent the task of redesigning the mechanics
of printers, specifically to address problems due to variables in
paper velocity. An analysis and surveying of customer needs by
means of AHP and pairwise charts was first done to produce a
revised problem statement and have a clear goal in mind. The
team decided to take an optical approach to the problems, using
lasers and sensors as a means of detecting the velocity of the paper.
The system is independent of the drive rolls, but does require the
size of the paper. The project description says that the system only
needs to work for standard paper size, but the user can input a
different size of paper and the mechanism will be able to read
correctly. Ultimately, the team believes that the system will work
very well for use in large printers.
Material Selection
Using the sustainability application imbedded in Solidworks, we
were able to determine the materials we could use allowing us to
minimize the carbon footprint and environmental impact of
producing our design. We decided that a silicon rubber would be
used to make the rollers to grip and push the paper through the
printer. Recycled pine wood paper would be the paper used with
our design. Finally, ABS injection molded plastic would be used
to make the housing for the laser, with the laser itself an
outsourced product. Manufacturing is to be done in Asia, with
the product used around the globe.
EMS and the Implementation of TRIZ
Customer Needs Assessment
1. Effective (0.36)
F.1 Independent from the drive rolls
F.2 Independent from the paper thickness
F.3 Independent from the paper finish
F.4 Independent from the paper size
2. Accurate (0.42)
C.1 Accurate to ± .25%
3. Ease of Use (0.13)
1. Simple (0.02)
2.Flexible (0.02)
3.Durable (0.07)
4.Compact (0.02)
4. User Friendliness (0.08)
1. Low Power Consumption (0.02)
2.Long-Lasting (0.04)
3.Easily Replaceable (0.02)
C.2 Low-Cost
C.3 Safe
How it Works
The final design involves a particularly simple, yet effective setup. The design involves one optical sensor
located in the path after the final drive roll and prior to the ink cells. The sensor is simply a laser that
shines down into a receiving sensor. When the paper passes through the sensor, a timer starts. Once the
paper passes completely through, the laser begins shining into the receiving sensor again and the timer
stops. Because the length of the paper is known, the time information is sent a computer that calculates,
very simply, the average velocity of the paper. This all takes place directly before the stage where ink is
pressed to the page. This is to ensure the lowest possible error. The user can input other page sizes into
the computing mechanism to use other size papers. The team believes this is a very effective, accurate,
cost and eco-friendly solution to our problem.
Electrical
Energy
Rollers
Sensor
Computer
Paper
Velocity
Paper
In an effort to increase Accuracy of Measurement (28 Accuracy of Measurement),
there is an increase in the complexity of the system (36 Complexity of Device).
Suggested Principles:
27 Cheap disposable [13]
35 Physical or chemical properties [1]
10 Preliminary action [2]
34 Recycling (rejecting and regenerating) [15]