Dynamic Insert Interval Control for Sheet Collision Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses struggle to efficiently insert sheets between printed sheets while conveying, as they lack a mechanism to automatically adjust the insert interval based on the length of the insert sheet.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus includes a main conveyance passage, a print portion, and an inserter. During a print job, the inserter feeds an insert sheet into the main conveyance passage at a specific position, and the print portion conveys sheets while maintaining an insert interval between preceding and succeeding sheets. This interval is automatically adjusted based on the length of the insert sheet in the conveyance direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed insert interval is used for all insert sheets, then the control mechanism is simple, but collision occurs between insert sheets of different lengths and succeeding sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The insert interval is made dynamic rather than fixed. The control section automatically adjusts the insert interval based on the length of each insert sheet, allowing the system to adapt to different sheet sizes while maintaining simple operation for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the insert sheet length information to automatically determine the appropriate insert interval. The control section receives length data and adjusts the timing accordingly, preventing collisions without requiring manual intervention.
2Reliability
If the insert interval is automatically adjusted according to insert sheet length, then collision is prevented, but the control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The control section performs multiple functions: it manages the overall printing process, receives insert sheet length information, calculates appropriate insert intervals, and coordinates the inserter timing. This multi-functionality avoids adding separate dedicated hardware for each control task.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically determines the insert interval based on the insert sheet length without requiring manual input or adjustment by the operator. The control section self-adjusts the timing parameters based on the information already available in the printing system.
3Productivity
If sheets are conveyed one after another without interval adjustment, then the conveying process is simple and fast, but insert sheets of varying lengths cause collision with succeeding sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The control section determines the appropriate insert interval in advance based on the insert sheet length before the actual insertion occurs. This preliminary calculation ensures that the succeeding sheet is positioned correctly to avoid collision, maintaining smooth continuous operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a print portion that prints an image on a sheet passing by a print position, and an inserter that inserts an insert sheet between sheets conveyed one after another. In a print job involving an insert process, the print portion conveys, while securing an insert interval between a preceding sheet, which is a sheet immediately preceding the insert sheet, and a succeeding sheet, which is a sheet immediately following the insert sheet, the preceding sheet and the succeeding sheet one after another. The print portion automatically changes the insert interval according to the length of the insert sheet in the conveyance direction.