Continuous Paper Image Magnification Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image magnification changes due to moisture absorption and contraction when printing is interrupted on continuous paper, leading to inconsistent image sizes before and after resumption.
Innovation Solution
Implementing withdrawal control in the image forming apparatus, where the continuous paper is conveyed in reverse to a position upstream of the heat source before interruption, ensuring the final image is moved away from the fixing device, and subsequent reciprocating conveyance controls are performed to maintain image size consistency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If printing action is interrupted on continuous paper, then productivity is improved by allowing maintenance or correction operations, but image magnification changes occur due to moisture absorption and heat-induced contraction
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by conveying the continuous paper in reverse direction before interruption to position the final image upstream of the heat source. This preliminary positioning prevents the image from being exposed to heat during interruption, thereby preventing moisture absorption and heat-induced contraction that would cause magnification changes. The reverse conveyance is executed in advance to ensure the image is in a safe position before the printing action is interrupted.
2Ease of operation
If the continuous paper is kept stationary around the fixing device during interruption, then the printing action can be interrupted for maintenance or correction, but the blank area absorbs moisture and contracts due to heat from the fixing device
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies inversion by conveying the continuous paper in reverse direction (opposite to normal printing direction) before interruption. This reverse conveyance moves the final image upstream of the heat source, away from the fixing device. By inverting the conveyance direction, the system ensures that the blank area does not remain stationary around the fixing device during interruption, thereby preventing moisture absorption and contraction caused by heat exposure.
3Strength
If reciprocating action is performed on continuous paper during interruption, then damage to the continuous paper is suppressed, but image magnification still changes when the paper returns to original size after absorbing moisture
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by conveying the continuous paper in reverse direction before interruption to position the final image upstream of the heat source. This preliminary positioning prevents the image from being exposed to heat during interruption, thereby preventing moisture absorption and heat-induced contraction that would cause magnification changes. The reverse conveyance is executed in advance to ensure the image is in a safe position before the printing action is interrupted.
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
Prevents changes in image magnification by maintaining the formed image size during interruptions and resumption, ensuring consistent output by absorbing moisture with the paper, thus stabilizing image dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
moisture is released from the blank area by receiving heat from the fixing device
Implementation Method 2
the size of the continuous paper is reduced
Implementation Method 3
the continuous paper absorbs moisture from the ambient atmosphere to return to the original size
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: a conveyer that conveys continuous paper; an image creator that outputs an image onto the continuous paper, a heat source that imparts heat to the continuous paper; and a hardware processor that controls a printing action for forming an image on the continuous paper conveyed in a forward direction by the conveyer, using the image creator and the heat source, wherein when interrupting the printing action, the hardware processor performs withdrawal control in which the continuous paper is conveyed in a reverse direction such that a final image formed on the continuous paper before interruption of the printing action reaches a withdrawal position defined upstream of the heat source in the forward direction.