Document Folder Conveyance Control in Image Forming Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face conveyance failures when handling document folders due to their larger size compared to standard paper, leading to jamming and reduced productivity.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes an operation unit that allows selection between modes for forming images on materials with or without closed sides, adjusting the conveyance direction length and inter-sheet distance based on the selected mode, and a controller that sets optimal jam reference lengths to prevent jamming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the document folder size is used for conveyance, then the recording material can be accommodated, but conveyance failure occurs due to the larger size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the conveyance direction length adjustable based on the selected mode. When document folder mode is selected, the conveyance direction length is extended to accommodate the larger size, while when standard paper mode is selected, the standard length is used. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting the conveyance parameters to the specific recording material type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of conveyance direction length according to the mode selected. By introducing a mode selection mechanism that allows switching between document folder mode (with extended length) and standard paper mode (with standard length), the system adjusts key parameters to match the physical characteristics of different recording materials, preventing conveyance failures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the conveyance direction length is extended for document folders, then larger recording materials can be handled, but the inter-sheet distance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts both the conveyance direction length and the inter-sheet distance based on the selected mode. When document folder mode is selected, both parameters are extended to accommodate the larger material, while standard paper mode uses standard parameters. This coordinated dynamic adjustment ensures proper handling of different sizes without unnecessary time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes multiple parameters simultaneously - both the conveyance direction length and the inter-sheet distance are adjusted according to the mode. This coordinated parameter change allows the system to optimize both accommodation capability and conveyance efficiency for different recording material types.
3Manufacturing precision
If the inter-sheet distance is increased for document folders, then conveyance accuracy is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the inter-sheet distance adjustable based on mode selection. When document folder mode is selected, a larger inter-sheet distance is used to maintain accuracy for the larger material, while standard paper mode uses a smaller distance to maximize throughput. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between precision and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the inter-sheet distance parameter according to the selected mode, allowing optimization of both conveyance accuracy and productivity. By switching between different parameter sets based on the recording material type, the system achieves high accuracy when needed without permanently sacrificing productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an operation unit configured to allow selection between a first mode for forming an image on a first recording material in which at least one side is closed and a second mode for forming an image on a second recording material without a closed side, and to allow input of information relating to a size of a recording material, an image former configured to form an image on the recording material, and a controller configured to set, in a case where the first mode is selected through the operation unit and a first size is input as information relating to a size of the first recording material, a length of the first recording material in a conveyance direction as a first length.