Conveyance Apparatus Jam Removal via Discharge Port Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In conveyance apparatuses where paper is partially exposed and the conveyance direction is reversed, it is challenging to accurately sense and remove jammed paper, leading to unnecessary downtime and potential apparatus malfunction due to incorrect operation.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a discharge port that reverses the paper conveyance direction, a decision unit that determines the removal method based on the amount of paper discharge, and an output unit that informs the operator of the appropriate removal method, allowing for convenient handling of jams and reducing operator burden.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If paper conveyance direction is reversed and paper is partially exposed to exterior, then double-sided printing capability is improved, but paper jam detection accuracy deteriorates because sensing units cannot detect the jammed paper
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a discharge port as an intermediary structure that partially exposes the printing medium to the exterior during reversed conveyance. This discharge port serves as a mediator between the internal conveyance path and external sensing units, allowing sensing units to detect jammed paper even when the paper is in a reversed conveyance state that would normally be invisible to sensing units.
2Reliability
If paper jam is sensed but location is unknown due to reversed conveyance, then jam detection capability is improved, but paper removal guidance capability deteriorates because proper removal method cannot be indicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the decision unit receives feedback from sensing units about paper presence and uses this information to determine the appropriate removal method. The output unit then provides feedback to the user about the correct removal procedure based on the discharge amount, creating a closed-loop system that maintains information about paper location even during reversed conveyance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of discharge amount as a key indicator to determine paper location. Instead of relying on traditional position sensing, the system uses the discharge amount (how much paper has been discharged from the discharge port) as a parameter to infer paper location and determine the appropriate removal method, thereby maintaining location information during reversed conveyance.
3Ease of operation
If door is opened to remove jammed paper, then paper removal capability is improved, but fixing device cooling and downtime increase because power turns off during door opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to self-diagnose and self-guide paper removal by automatically determining the discharge amount and providing appropriate removal instructions through the output unit. This self-service capability allows users to remove paper correctly without needing to open the door, thereby avoiding the time loss associated with fixing device cooling while maintaining effective paper removal capability.
4Ease of operation
If jammed paper is not removed properly, then operation simplicity is improved, but apparatus malfunction risk increases due to worsened jamming by succeeding sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent takes preliminary action by detecting the discharge amount and determining the appropriate removal method before jamming worsens. The decision unit proactively identifies the correct removal procedure based on how much paper has been discharged, and the output unit notifies the user in advance. This preliminary action prevents improper operation and reduces the risk of apparatus malfunction while maintaining operational simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A conveyance apparatus has a first conveyance path along which a printing medium is conveyed, a first discharge port, and a second conveyance path which causes reversal of the conveyance direction of the printing medium partially exposed from the discharge port and feeds the printing medium to the first conveyance path again. The apparatus further includes an estimation unit which estimates an amount of exposure of the printing medium at the discharge port, a decision unit which, when jamming of the printing medium occurs, determines a printing-medium removal method in accordance with the amount of exposure estimated, and an output unit which outputs the determined removal method.