Image Feeding Timing Control for Smaller Recording Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face challenges in improving feeding performance for smaller-sized recording materials, as they are controlled with the same throughput as A4-sized materials, leading to delayed feeding and potential conveyance issues due to slip and roller abrasion, resulting in reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a detection unit to determine the size of the recording material and adjust the feeding timing accordingly, allowing earlier feeding for smaller sizes to enhance conveyance margin and prevent delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the same throughput control as A4-sized materials is applied to smaller-sized recording materials, then the throughput for A4-sized materials is maintained, but the feeding timing is delayed causing conveyance issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic feeding timing control that adapts to different recording material sizes. The control unit calculates optimal feeding timing based on the detected material size, allowing the system to maintain A4 throughput for large materials while using earlier feeding timing for smaller materials to prevent conveyance delays caused by slip and roller abrasion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the feeding timing parameter based on recording material size detection. For smaller-sized materials, the feeding timing is set to occur earlier in the cycle compared to A4 materials, compensating for the increased risk of conveyance delays while maintaining overall throughput efficiency.
2Reliability
If feeding is started earlier for smaller-sized recording materials, then the conveyance margin is increased preventing delays, but the image forming interval must be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a detection unit that measures the actual length of recording materials and feeds this information back to the control unit. The control unit then adjusts the feeding timing based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop control system that automatically optimizes conveyance margin for different material sizes without requiring complex manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of recording material size before the printing process begins. Based on this advance information, the control unit pre-calculates and sets the optimal feeding timing, ensuring adequate conveyance margin is established before potential slip or roller abrasion issues can occur during the printing process.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus, which forms an image at an image forming interval and feeding timing corresponding to a predetermined recording material size, includes a control unit (a controller unit and an engine control unit) for controlling the feeding timing to be earlier, when the size of a recording material detected by a detection unit (the engine control unit and an registration sensor) is smaller than the predetermined recording material size.