Alternate Imaging Order for Duplex Throughput in Print Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional duplex printing systems experience time delays due to the need to flip and reroute sheets through a duplex path, leading to inefficiencies in printing speed and uneven output cadence.
Innovation Solution
A method that alternates media path input to a transfer nip between the first side new media sheet feed path and the flip side second image duplex media feed path, allowing for concurrent processing and minimizing delays by staging sheets in the duplex path to maximize continuous motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional duplex printing is used with sheets flipped and rerouted through a duplex path, then duplex printing capability is achieved, but time delay increases and printing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by imaging the B side of the first sheet and the A side of the third sheet during the same imaging cycle, before the first sheet completes its duplex path. This allows the first sheet to be ready for output while the third sheet is being prepared, eliminating wait time and continuous motion delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by alternating the imaging sequence between different sheets and sides dynamically. Instead of a fixed sequential process, the system switches between imaging the B side of the first sheet with the A side of the third sheet, then the B side of the second sheet with the A side of the fourth sheet, creating a flexible, overlapping processing schedule that maximizes throughput.
2Ease of operation
If sheets are passed through a duplex path for flipping and rerouting, then duplex printing is enabled, but output cadence becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
By preparing the B side of the first sheet and A side of the third sheet in advance during the same imaging cycle, the system ensures that sheets are ready for output at regular intervals. This preliminary preparation eliminates gaps in output cadence that would otherwise occur while sheets wait in the duplex path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous useful action by overlapping the imaging of different sheets and sides within the same imaging cycle. The B side of the first sheet and A side of the third sheet are imaged concurrently, then the B side of the second sheet and A side of the fourth sheet are imaged concurrently, creating a continuous flow of prepared sheets ready for output without interruption or idle time.
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 throughput by reducing wait times and achieving a more even output cadence, with increased print speed and reduced media velocity, resulting in quieter operation and lower costs.
Implementation Method 1
an ink jet print head positioned to jet the ink to form an image on the release surface of the drum
Implementation Method 2
Transfix is a term used to refer to image transfer to media from the offset image receiving surface by employing heat and/or pressure to fuse or fix the image to the media as the media and image pass through a transfer zone or nip
Data Source
AI summary
A method/printer prints images on an “A” side of a first sheet of media and on an “A” side of a second sheet of media in a single full transfer rotation of a drum. The method then prints images on the B side of the first sheet and on an A side of a third sheet in a single full transfer rotation of the drum. Similarly, the method prints images on the B side of the second sheet and on an A side of a fourth sheet in a single full transfer rotation of the drum. This method then prints images on the B side of the third sheet and the B side of the fourth sheet in a single full transfer rotation of the drum.