Dual Paper Feeding Control for Image Positioning Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately conveying paper sheets to registration and printing positions, leading to potential skew and positional deviations during the printing process, particularly due to variations in paper feeding unit performance and paper sheet length.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a dual paper feeding unit system with a control unit that manages primary and secondary paper feeding phases, setting distinct preceding feeding times based on the selected feeding unit, ensuring accurate conveyance to the registration position and subsequent printing position, while accounting for the slipping tendencies of the paper feeding units and paper sheet length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a single paper feeding unit is used to convey paper sheets to the registration position, then the device complexity is low, but the manufacturing precision of paper sheet positioning deteriorates due to variations in feeding performance and paper sheet length
Solution Approach 1:
The paper feeding system is divided into multiple independent paper feeding units (first paper feeding unit and second paper feeding unit), each capable of conveying paper sheets to the registration position. This segmentation allows the system to handle variations in feeding performance and paper sheet length by selecting the appropriate unit, thereby improving positioning precision without requiring a single complex feeding mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit dynamically selects which paper feeding unit to operate based on real-time conditions such as paper sheet length and feeding unit performance characteristics. This dynamic selection and control strategy enables the system to maintain high positioning precision by adapting to varying conditions, effectively resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If the registration unit is operated continuously during paper feeding, then the productivity is high, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to skew and positional deviations during conveyance
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary paper feeding to the registration position using the paper feeding unit before engaging the registration unit for conveyance to the printing position. This two-stage approach ensures that paper sheets are properly positioned and aligned at the registration position before the registration unit operates, preventing skew and positional deviations while maintaining efficient printing cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The paper conveyance process is segmented into two distinct phases: (1) feeding to registration position using paper feeding units, and (2) conveyance to printing position using the registration unit. This segmentation allows each component to perform its optimal function, ensuring precision during positioning and productivity during conveyance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different paper feeding units have different slipping tendencies, then the adaptability to various paper types is improved, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inconsistent feeding performance
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically selects the appropriate paper feeding unit based on the specific paper type and its slipping characteristics. Each paper feeding unit can be optimized for different paper types, and the system adapts by selecting the most suitable unit for the current paper batch, thereby maintaining both versatility and positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Different paper feeding units are designed with different characteristics optimized for specific paper types. The system applies the principle of local quality by matching the appropriate feeding unit characteristics to the specific paper type being processed, ensuring optimal performance and precision for each paper category.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a registration unit, a first paper feeding unit, a second paper feeding unit, and a control unit, which performs a primary paper feeding for conveying a paper sheet to a registration position, finishes the primary paper feeding at timing when the paper sheet reaches the registration position, and then after operating a target paper feeding unit until a preceding feeding time elapses, performs a secondary paper feeding for conveying the paper sheet to the printing position. The control unit sets different values of the preceding feeding time for the case where the first paper feeding unit is the target paper feeding unit and the case where the second paper feeding unit is the target paper feeding unit.