Duplex Recording Apparatus Compact Flip Path Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional recording apparatuses face difficulties in reducing the size of the flip path portion, which restricts the miniaturization of the apparatus due to complex path constructions.
Innovation Solution
The recording apparatus is designed with a configuration where the recording medium is conveyed along a second path in one direction, then switched to the opposite direction via multiple connection positions, allowing it to be re-conveyed into the first path with the first and second surfaces reversed, reducing the size of the flip path and the apparatus as a whole.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional flip path portion is used to reverse the recording medium for duplex recording, then the recording apparatus can perform recording on both surfaces of the medium, but the apparatus size cannot be reduced due to the complex path construction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by having the recording medium travel in the opposite direction through the second path instead of using a separate flip path portion. The medium is conveyed from the receiver through the second path in reverse direction back to the first path, effectively reversing its orientation without requiring additional flipping mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of the first path, second path, and flip path portion into a unified conveyor system. The first path connects the storage to recording modules, the second path connects the receiver back to the first path, and these paths are integrated such that the same conveyor mechanism handles both forward and reverse conveyance, eliminating the need for a separate flip path portion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate flip path portion is provided to reverse the recording sheet, then duplex recording can be achieved, but the path construction becomes complex and the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor mechanism serves multiple functions: it conveys the recording medium forward through the first path to recording modules, conveys it backward through the second path to reverse orientation, and manages the transitions between paths. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate flip path mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches the conveyance direction of the recording medium by transitioning between the first path and second path. The conveyor can operate in forward direction for initial conveyance and in reverse direction for returning the medium after recording, adapting its operation based on the recording stage without requiring static flip path structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A recording apparatus includes: recording modules; a storage; a receiver; a first path extending from the storage to the plurality of recording modules; 6a second path extending from the recording modules to the receiver; and third paths extending between the first path and the second path via first connection positions and second connection positions. The second path has one end connected to the receiver and the other end connected to a portion of the first path which is located upstream of the first connection positions. When the recording medium having passed through the first path once is conveyed to the first path again via the second path, the conveyor conveys the recording medium in a state in which a first surface and a second surface of the recording medium are reversed when compared with a stain which the recording medium passes through the first path in preceding conveyance.