Conveyance Speed Control for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, setting the conveyance speed of individual units is complex due to inconsistencies between upstream and downstream units, leading to issues like wrinkles and paper jams, as users must manually adjust each unit's speed to maintain consistency, which is cumbersome and often unclear.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that automatically adjusts the conveyance speed of downstream units based on the setting of an upstream unit, ensuring consistent speeds throughout the conveyance path, thereby simplifying the process for users and reducing the risk of errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the conveyance speed of each unit is set individually, then the conveyance speed can be optimized for each unit, but the setting process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the conveyance path into multiple units (first conveyance unit, second conveyance unit, etc.) and allows independent speed setting for each segment while maintaining overall consistency. This enables precise control of each unit's conveyance speed without requiring manual coordination of all units, thus achieving both optimization and simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically adjusting downstream unit speeds based on upstream unit settings. When a user sets the speed of one unit, the system proactively calculates and applies appropriate speeds to other units in advance, eliminating the need for users to manually configure each unit and ensuring speed consistency before operation begins.
2Speed
If the conveyance speed of one unit is changed, then the speed optimization for that unit is achieved, but the settings of downstream units become inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the conveyance speed settings of all units and automatically adjusting downstream units when upstream units are modified. This closed-loop control ensures that any speed change in one unit triggers corresponding adjustments in downstream units, maintaining speed consistency throughout the entire conveyance path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the control of multiple conveyance units into a unified system where speed settings are coordinated automatically. Instead of treating each unit's speed setting as an independent task, the system combines them into a single coordinated control mechanism that maintains consistent speeds across all units when any one unit's speed is changed.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment of each unit's conveyance speed is performed, then speed consistency can be achieved, but user effort and time are significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system practices self-service by automatically calculating and adjusting the conveyance speeds of all units based on the settings and operational requirements. Instead of requiring users to manually configure each unit's speed, the system performs the adjustment itself, significantly reducing user effort and setting time while maintaining precise speed consistency across all conveyance units.
4Productivity
If the conveyance speed is increased to improve productivity, then output increases, but wrinkles and paper jams may occur due to speed inconsistencies
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamics by enabling flexible and adaptable speed control for each conveyance unit. Each unit can dynamically adjust its speed within operational limits based on its specific characteristics and the overall system requirements. This dynamic control allows the system to optimize productivity by increasing speeds where appropriate while maintaining reliability by preventing speed inconsistencies that cause wrinkles and paper jams.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus to control an image forming system includes a reception unit and a control unit. The image forming system includes a first conveyance unit configured to convey a recording medium and a second conveyance unit located downstream of the first conveyance unit in a conveyance route of the recording medium. The reception unit receives an instruction to set a conveyance speed of the first conveyance unit. The control unit sets the conveyance speed of the first conveyance unit to the image forming system based on the setting instruction, and sets a conveyance speed of the second conveyance unit to the image forming system based on the instruction to set the conveyance speed of the first conveyance unit.