1. EMS and the Implementation of TRIZ
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.
Electrical Energy
Paper
Paper Velocity
Computer
Rollers
Sensor
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]
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)
Simple (0.02)
Flexible (0.02)
Durable (0.07)
Compact (0.02)
User Friendliness (0.08)
Low Power Consumption (0.02)
Long-Lasting (0.04)
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.