Image Forming Apparatus Automatic Feed Tray Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses experience productivity losses due to the need to stop operations until a paper jam is resolved, especially when using a single feed tray, as they lack the ability to seamlessly switch to an alternate feed path or tray during a jam, limiting recovery efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with multiple feed trays and a detection system that identifies jammed paths and trays, allowing for automatic re-routing of the recording medium from one feed tray to another, enabling continuous operation by determining if the second feed tray can feed the image forming unit without passing through the jammed path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single feed tray is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity decreases when paper jam occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The feed system is segmented into multiple independent feed trays (first feed tray and second feed tray), each capable of independently feeding recording media to the image forming unit. This segmentation allows the system to isolate jams to specific trays and switch between trays, maintaining productivity while managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter by switching from a single feed source to multiple feed sources based on jam detection. When a jam is detected in one feed path, the system changes the active feed tray parameter to use the other feed tray, thereby maintaining continuous operation and improving productivity
2Productivity
If multiple feed trays are used, then the productivity is improved by allowing continuous operation during jams, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback through detecting units that monitor each feed path for jams. Based on the detection results, the controlling unit receives information about jam locations and automatically determines which feed tray should be active, creating a closed-loop control system that improves productivity while managing complexity through automated decision-making
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting jams and switching between feed trays without requiring manual intervention. The controlling unit autonomously determines the appropriate feed tray based on detection unit information, enabling continuous operation during jams while the system manages its own complexity through automated control
3Productivity
If the sheet conveyer stops to remove jammed paper, then the ease of operation is improved by allowing user access, but the productivity decreases due to operation interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The system takes preliminary action by having the detecting unit continuously monitor feed paths for jams and the controlling unit pre-prepared switch between feed trays. When a jam is detected, the system can immediately switch to the other feed tray before the user needs to intervene, maintaining productivity while the user only needs to perform simple removal operations
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus connectable to a first feed tray and a second feed tray includes an image forming unit, a feed path, and a detecting unit provided on the feed path to sense recording medium jam. An identifying unit identifies a feed path and a feed tray where recording medium jam has occurred as a jammed path and a jamming feed tray. A first determining unit determines whether the image forming apparatus is connected to the second feed tray. A second determining unit determines whether the second feed tray can feed a recording medium to the image forming unit. A feeding unit feeds a recording medium from the second feed tray to the image forming unit.