Convey Speed Stabilization in Image Formation Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image formation apparatuses face instability in medium conveyance due to fluctuations in detection accuracy and medium properties, leading to degradation in image quality.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a first conveyor with a predetermined speed, a second conveyor downstream for variable speed control, a detector for medium deflection, and a calculator to determine an average convey speed, allowing for adaptive speed adjustments within specific ranges to maintain stable conveyance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the convey speed of the fixation device is changed based on the time it takes from detection of the leading edge of the medium to generation of a predetermined amount of deflection, then the deflection of the medium can be controlled, but the convey speed widely fluctuates due to detection accuracy variations and medium property differences, hindering stable conveyance
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by calculating the average convey speed of the fixation device over a predetermined time period before using it for speed control. This preliminary calculation smooths out fluctuations caused by detection accuracy variations and medium property differences, providing a more stable basis for convey speed adjustment while maintaining deflection control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the deflection amount of the medium and adjusting the convey speed of the fixation device accordingly. The average convey speed calculated from historical data serves as a reference, and the actual convey speed is dynamically adjusted based on real-time deflection detection, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains stable medium conveyance
2Manufacturing precision
If the convey speed of the fixation device is adjusted to control medium deflection, then image quality degradation can be suppressed, but the convey speed fluctuations lead to unstable medium conveyance and image quality degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates the average convey speed over a predetermined time period before applying it to speed control, providing a smoothed and stabilized speed reference that reduces fluctuations. This preliminary processing of speed data ensures that image quality is maintained while avoiding the instability caused by direct use of instantaneous speed measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter used for speed control from instantaneous convey speed to average convey speed calculated over a predetermined time period. This parameter transformation filters out high-frequency fluctuations and provides a more stable control variable, enabling both image quality maintenance and conveyance stability
Data Source
AI summary
An image formation apparatus according to one or more embodiments may include: a first conveyer; a second conveyer provided downstream of the first conveyer; a detector that detects a deflection of the medium between the first and second conveyers; a speed controller that controls a speed of the second conveyer within a first speed range; a calculator that calculates an average convey speed of the second conveyer. The calculator calculates a first average speed in a first period from when a leading end of the medium reaches the second conveyer to when the medium is conveyed a predetermined distance from the second conveyer. The speed controller changes, after the first period elapses, the speed of the second conveyer within a second speed range with the calculated first average convey speed as a criteria speed of the second conveyer, based on the detection result from the detector.