Image Forming Apparatus Jam Recovery Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

In image forming apparatuses, wire bookbinding processes face issues with jam detection and recovery, where a deviation in the binding member's position due to user intervention can lead to failed subsequent processing, and there is a lack of clear instructions for users to correctly remove jams and binding members during the recovery process.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus is equipped with sensors to detect jams and a control system that provides specific operation instructions to users through an annunciator, guiding them to remove both the jammed sheet and the binding member from the binding device, ensuring accurate repositioning and preventing errors in the bookbinding process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the user removes a sheet that caused a jam from the apparatus, then the jam state is removed, but the binding member may deviate from a predetermined position due to user touching

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejam removal effectivenessVSAvoidbinding member position accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of the jam state and provides advance guidance to the user about the correct removal procedure. The control unit stores jam location information and uses it to generate specific removal instructions before the user attempts removal, preventing position deviation from occurring in the first place

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback to the user through the display unit, showing specific removal instructions based on the detected jam location. This feedback loop guides the user to remove sheets in the correct manner, preventing binding member position deviation while maintaining effective jam removal

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the binding member deviates from the predetermined position, then subsequent processing may fail, but providing detailed removal instructions increases system complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesubsequent processing success rateVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit performs multiple functions: it controls the punching means, binding means, and display unit, and stores jam location information. By consolidating these functions in a single control unit, the system achieves high reliability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The display unit acts as an intermediary between the control unit and the user. It translates internal jam location data into user-friendly removal instructions, ensuring successful subsequent processing while keeping the control system's complexity manageable through clear interface design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the user is not notified to remove the binding member, then the operation is simple, but the binding member that has deviated may be left in the apparatus causing future failures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser operation simplicityVSAvoidapparatus operational reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The display unit provides feedback to the user about the jam location and required removal actions. This feedback ensures the user removes both the jammed sheet and the binding member, maintaining apparatus reliability while keeping the operation simple through clear guidance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system serves itself by automatically detecting the jam location and generating appropriate removal instructions without requiring user judgment. The control unit stores and retrieves jam location information to provide self-service guidance, ensuring reliable operation while maintaining ease of use

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3321094B1Image forming apparatus, control method for image forming apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium
Publication Date: 2019.08.21 CANON KK
  • EP3321094B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3321094B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3321094B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An image forming apparatus including: a printing means (203); a punching means (222) configured to punch the sheet printed by the printing means; a binding means (223) configured to perform a bookbinding process to form a bound product in which a binding member (417) penetrates punch holes of sheets; a first detecting means (250) configured to detect a first jam of a sheet in the binding means; a second detecting means (252) configured to detect a second jam of a sheet which occurs upstream of the binding means; an annunciator (204) linked to a display (235) configured to notify information; and a controlling means configured to cause the annunciator to notify first instruction information for instructing removal of a sheet and the binding member, in a case where the first detecting means has detected the first jam; and cause the annunciator to notify second instruction information for instructing removal of the second jam in a case where the second detecting means has detected the second jam and the first detecting means has not detected the first jam.