Duplex Unit Attachment Detection for Image Forming Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Image forming apparatuses with attachable/detachable duplex units face issues where incomplete attachment of the duplex unit is not electrically detected, leading to mechanical misalignment and sheet jams during one-sided printing, as the system is configured for double-sided printing and lacks proper control for one-sided printing scenarios.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus includes a detection unit to verify the complete attachment of the duplex unit and a control unit that inhibits printing if incomplete attachment is detected, ensuring that printing is only performed when the duplex unit is fully attached, thereby preventing sheet jams and damage to the apparatus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the duplex unit is made attachable/detachable to enable double-sided printing, then the versatility and functionality of the image forming apparatus is improved, but the reliability and stability of one-sided printing deteriorate due to incomplete attachment detection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting mode flexibilityVSAvoidone-sided printing reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of the duplex unit attachment state before executing the printing process. The control unit checks whether the duplex unit is properly attached based on sensor signals, and only allows one-sided printing when the attachment state is confirmed to be incomplete. This preliminary check prevents unreliable printing operations before they can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses detection units (sensors) to continuously monitor the attachment state of the duplex unit and provides feedback signals to the control unit. Based on this feedback, the control unit dynamically adjusts the printing control to either permit or inhibit one-sided printing. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that printing operations are always consistent with the actual physical state of the duplex unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If the sensor-based detection system is used to detect duplex unit attachment, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and detection accuracy deteriorate when the duplex unit is incompletely attached

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection system complexityVSAvoidduplex unit attachment detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses multiple detection units (sensors) positioned at different locations to detect the attachment state. Rather than relying on a single sensor, the control unit综合considers signals from multiple sensors to make a determination. This partial/excessive detection approach compensates for the limitations of individual sensors and improves overall detection accuracy without requiring a completely complex detection system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit acts as an intermediary between the detection units and the printing control system. It processes the raw sensor signals, interprets the attachment state, and makes the final decision on whether to permit one-sided printing. This intermediary layer adds intelligence to the simple sensor system, enabling accurate detection of incomplete attachment states without requiring complex sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If printing control is provided assuming the duplex unit is detached, then the ease of operation for one-sided printing is improved, but the harmful factors and sheet jams increase when the duplex unit is mechanically present but not electrically detected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveone-sided printing operationVSAvoidsheet jam occurrence

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system takes preliminary anti-action by detecting the presence of the duplex unit through sensors and proactively inhibiting one-sided printing when the attachment state is incomplete. Rather than waiting for a sheet jam to occur, the system prevents the harmful operation before it can affect the printing process. This preliminary protective action maintains ease of operation for properly attached units while preventing damage from improperly attached units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The system converts the potential harm of undetected incomplete attachment into a benefit by using the sensor detection to trigger a control response. The very presence of the duplex unit, which could cause sheet jams if incompletely attached, becomes a detectable state that the control unit can respond to. By converting the physical presence into an detectable signal, the system turns a potential hazard into a controllable parameter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS9535382B2Image forming apparatus with attachable/detachable duplex unit, control method therefor, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2017.01.03 CANON KK

AI summary

An image forming apparatus which is capable of preventing printing from being performed with a duplex unit incompletely attached. The duplex unit is attachable to and detachable from the image forming apparatus. Execution of one-sided printing and double-sided printing by a printing unit is inhibited based on that a detection unit does not detect attachment of the duplex unit in a state where information to an effect that attachment of the duplex unit has been detected previously by the detection unit.