Dual Print Engine Controller for Jammed Path Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image recording apparatuses often experience jams in the conveying paths, causing one print engine to stop while the other continues, disrupting the recording process.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a controller that manages two print engines and trays, allowing it to continue the recording process on one path while stopping the other if an error occurs, ensuring uninterrupted operation by prioritizing the first process over the second.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the apparatus uses two separate conveying paths with independent print engines, then productivity is improved by enabling parallel processing, but reliability deteriorates because a jam in one path causes the corresponding print engine to stop
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is configured to continue the first recording process even when the second recording process is stopped due to a jam, thereby maintaining continuous useful action in the first path while the second path is addressed separately
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into two independent conveying paths with separate print engines, allowing localized failures in one path to be isolated without affecting the other path's operation
2Reliability
If the apparatus stops both print engines when an error occurs in either path, then reliability is improved by preventing further errors, but productivity deteriorates due to complete cessation of recording operations
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-path system allows independent error handling where a jam in the second path does not necessarily stop the first path, enabling selective continuation of operational processes
Solution Approach 2:
The controller maintains continuous operation of the first recording process while stopping only the second process affected by the jam, preserving useful action in the unaffected path
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a casing having a front end and a rear end, a first tray, a first print engine, a second tray, a second print engine and a controller. The controller configured to perform: receiving first image data representing the first image and second image data representing the second image; executing a first process including a first conveying process and a first recording process; executing a second process including a second conveying process and a second recording process; determining whether an error has occurred in the second process; and in a case where the error has occurred in the second process, stopping the second process while continuing the first process.