Image Forming System Bypass Path for Varnish Failure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming systems experience productivity deterioration when the varnish application apparatus fails, as both the image forming and varnish application processes are halted, even if the image forming apparatus is functioning correctly.
Innovation Solution
The image forming system includes a controller that allows the execution of two types of jobs: one with varnish application and one without. The system features separate conveyance paths, enabling the recording material to bypass the varnish application unit in case of failure, thus allowing the image forming process to continue using the second conveyance unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the varnish application apparatus is integrated into the image forming system, then the productivity is improved by automatic conveyance, but the system reliability deteriorates because failure of the varnish application apparatus halts the entire system
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance system is segmented into a first conveyance path through the varnish application apparatus and a second conveyance path bypassing it. This allows independent operation of image forming and varnish application functions, so failure of the varnish application apparatus does not halt the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The varnish application apparatus is designed with dual functionality: it can apply varnish when operational, and it can serve as a bypassable component when failed. The controller automatically switches between first conveyance path (with varnish application) and second conveyance path (bypassing varnish application) based on operational status, maintaining system productivity despite component failure.
2Manufacturing precision
If the system halts operation upon detecting varnish application apparatus failure, then the manufacturing precision is maintained by ensuring complete varnish application, but the productivity deteriorates due to system-wide stoppage
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation mode based on the operational status of the varnish application apparatus. When operational, it performs complete varnish application; when failed, it automatically switches to bypass mode. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain productivity while accepting reduced functionality during failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller changes the operational parameters of the conveyance system based on failure detection. It switches the conveyance path selection parameter between first path (through varnish application) and second path (bypassing varnish application), allowing continuous operation with modified process parameters when failure occurs.
3Device complexity
If a single conveyance path is used through the varnish application apparatus, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability deteriorates because the system cannot handle varnish application failures
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance system is divided into multiple segments or paths: a first conveyance path through the varnish application apparatus and a second conveyance path bypassing it. This segmentation increases structural complexity but provides the adaptability needed to handle failures by selecting the appropriate path based on operational status.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic path selection capability, where the controller can switch between first and second conveyance paths based on the operational status of the varnish application apparatus. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to respond to failures by rerouting materials through the bypass path.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming system includes an image forming apparatus, a varnish application apparatus, and a controller. The varnish application apparatus includes a varnish application unit configured to apply varnish to a recording material, a first conveyance unit configured to convey a recording material in a first conveyance path that passes through the varnish application unit, and a second conveyance unit configured to convey a recording material in a second conveyance path that does not pass through the varnish application unit. When failure is occurred to one or both of the varnish application unit and the first conveyance unit and failure is not occurred to the second conveyance unit, the controller is configured to permit execution of the second image forming job and to convey a recording material by the second conveyance unit in the varnish application apparatus.