Image Forming Apparatus Velocity Control for Holding Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in holding a recording medium when the transport velocity of the medium matches the circulation velocity of the holding member, leading to potential failure in holding the medium.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus includes a circulating member with a holding member fixed to it, which circulates and holds the leading end of the recording medium. The apparatus reduces the transport velocity of the recording medium from a first higher velocity to a second lower velocity before it enters the holding position, ensuring proper alignment and grip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the transport velocity of the recording medium is maintained at a constant high velocity, then the productivity is improved, but the holding member fails to hold the recording medium properly
Solution Approach 1:
The transport velocity is changed dynamically based on the operational phase: high velocity (V1) during feeding to maintain productivity, and reduced velocity (V2) during holding to ensure reliable grip. This dynamic velocity adjustment resolves the contradiction between productivity and holding reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The velocity reduction is performed in advance before the holding member needs to grip the recording medium. By reducing velocity from V1 to V2 before the holding phase, the system prepares the recording medium for reliable holding while maintaining high overall transport efficiency.
2Reliability
If the transport velocity is reduced to match the circulation velocity, then the holding reliability is improved, but the productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The transport process is segmented into distinct phases with different velocity requirements: feeding phase at high velocity V1 for productivity, and holding phase at reduced velocity V2 for reliability. This segmentation allows each phase to optimize for its specific goal without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The velocity alternates periodically between high (V1) and reduced (V2) states corresponding to different operational phases. This periodic velocity adjustment ensures that productivity is maintained during feeding while reliability is ensured during holding, resolving the contradiction through time-based separation.
Data Source
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AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: a circulating member that is a part of a transport path that transports a recording medium; a holding member that is fixed to the circulating member, circulates, and holds a leading end portion of the recording medium; an image forming section that forms an image on the recording medium at an image forming position in a circulation path of the circulating member; and a feeding section that feeds out the recording medium to a holding position where the holding member holds the leading end portion of the recording medium. When a circulation velocity Vg is defined as a velocity at which the circulating member circulates the holding member, a transport velocity of the recording medium is reduced from a first transport velocity V1, which is higher than the circulation velocity Vg, to a second transport velocity V2, which is lower than the first transport velocity V1, before the leading end portion of the recording medium enters the holding position.