Image Forming Apparatus Dual Conveyance Path Transfer Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses require the formation of a toner image on a sheet before transferring a transfer layer, limiting flexibility and efficiency in the process.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a process unit, heating unit, and controller that allows for two printing modes: one where the transfer layer is applied over a pre-formed toner image on a sheet, and another where the transfer layer is applied without forming the toner image, using a multilayer film with a supporting layer and a transfer layer, and separate conveyance paths to optimize operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the transfer layer is transferred onto a toner image that has been formed on the sheet at the same image forming apparatus, then the image forming process is complete, but the apparatus cannot receive a sheet having a toner image formed thereon by another apparatus and transfer the transfer layer without executing the toner image forming process
Solution Approach 1:
The heating unit is divided into a first heating unit for fixing toner images and a second heating unit for transferring transfer layers. This segmentation allows the apparatus to independently perform the transfer layer transfer function without requiring the complete image forming process, enabling reception of sheets with pre-formed toner images from other apparatuses.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer layer transfer function is extracted from the complete image forming process. The second heating unit and associated transfer mechanisms are separated as independent functional modules, allowing the apparatus to perform transfer layer transfer without necessarily forming the toner image, thus reducing process complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Volume of moving object
If a common conveyance path is used for both first printing mode and second printing mode, then the apparatus size is reduced, but the process unit cannot be kept from being operated when transferring transfer layer without forming toner image
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance system is segmented into a first conveyance path passing through the process unit and a second conveyance path bypassing the process unit. This allows selective routing of sheets based on the printing mode, enabling the process unit to remain inactive during transfer layer transfer operations while maintaining a compact apparatus design.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyance path selection is made dynamic based on the printing mode. The controller selectively activates the first or second conveyance path according to whether the operation is in first printing mode (forming and fixing toner image) or second printing mode (transferring transfer layer only), optimizing process unit operation efficiency while maintaining compact apparatus size.
3Device complexity
If the process unit is operated when transferring transfer layer without forming toner image, then the conveyance path is simple, but power consumption increases and operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance system is segmented into two separate paths, allowing the process unit to be bypassed during transfer layer transfer operations. This eliminates unnecessary power consumption from operating the process unit while maintaining relatively simple conveyance path structure through the use of a second conveyance path that does not require additional complex mechanisms.
4Productivity
If separate conveyance paths are provided for first printing mode and second printing mode, then the process unit can be kept from being operated, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance system is divided into first and second conveyance paths, with the second path bypassing the process unit. This segmentation enables the process unit to remain inactive during transfer layer transfer operations, improving operational efficiency. The apparatus size increase is minimized by integrating the second conveyance path within the existing apparatus structure rather than adding completely separate external conveyance systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient transfer of the transfer layer onto pre-formed images without forming the toner image on the sheet, reducing operational complexity and power consumption, while ensuring high reliability and adaptability for different sheet thicknesses.
Implementation Method 1
The heating unit is configured to fix the image transferred at the process unit onto the sheet
Implementation Method 2
The heating unit is configured to fix the image transferred at the process unit onto the sheet
Implementation Method 3
The heating unit is configured to transfer the transfer layer onto an image formed on a sheet overlaid on the multilayer film
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a process unit, a heating unit, and a controller unit. The process unit is configured to transfer an image onto a sheet. The heating unit is configured to fix the image transferred at the process unit onto the sheet, and to transfer a transfer layer onto an image formed on a sheet overlaid on a multilayer film. The controller unit is capable of operating in a first printing mode in which processes of transferring an image at the process unit, fixing the image at the heating unit, and transferring the transfer layer at the heating unit are executed, and a second printing mode in which processes of transferring an image at the process unit and fixing the image at the heating unit are not executed, and a process of transferring the transfer layer at the heating unit is executed.