Image Forming System Tray Switching for Insertion Productivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming systems face productivity issues due to the potential interruption of print jobs when inserting paper runs out, especially when the remaining paper quantity is low, leading to inefficient operation during paper replenishment.
Innovation Solution
An image forming system that includes a first feeding portion for recording sheets, an image forming portion, a sheet conveyance path, a second feeding portion with multiple supporting portions for inserting sheets, and a detection system, allowing the controller to execute a feed-before-detection mode where the feeding process of a recording sheet starts before detecting the presence of the last preceding inserting sheet, and switches to another supporting portion if the selected portion is depleted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pre-presence/absence-detection operation is used when inserting paper quantity is large, then productivity is improved, but when inserting paper runs out before transfer paper reaches the inserter, the print job is stopped
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of inserting paper presence before the transfer paper reaches the inserter. When paper is detected as present, the system proactively prepares for insertion; when absent, it switches to post-detection mode to ensure job completion, thus preventing stoppages while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection operation mode is dynamically switched between pre-detection and post-detection based on the remaining inserting paper quantity. The system adapts its detection strategy in real-time: using pre-detection when paper is abundant for high productivity, and post-detection when paper is low to ensure reliable job completion.
2Reliability
If switching from pre-presence/absence-detection to post-presence/absence-detection when inserting paper quantity becomes small, then job completion reliability is improved, but productivity decreases during the transition period
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of inserting paper presence before the transfer paper reaches the inserter. When paper is detected as present, the system proactively prepares for insertion; when absent, it switches to post-detection mode to ensure job completion, thus preventing stoppages while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection operation mode parameter is changed based on the remaining inserting paper quantity threshold. When paper quantity is above the threshold, pre-detection mode is used; when below, post-detection mode is activated, optimizing the balance between productivity and reliability based on paper availability.
3Productivity
If multiple trays are provided for inserting paper, then continuous operation can be maintained by switching trays, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inserting paper supply is segmented into multiple independent trays. When one tray is exhausted, the system can switch to another tray without interrupting the print job, ensuring continuous operation. Each tray operates as an independent unit, allowing seamless transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple trays serve the universal function of holding inserting paper, with each tray being interchangeable and equally capable of supplying paper. The system can universally switch between any available tray to maintain continuous operation, making the trays multi-functional backup units.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming system includes a first feeding portion configured to feed a recording sheet, a second feeding portion configured to feed an inserting sheet from one of a plurality of supporting portions, and a controller capable of executing a feed-before-detection mode in which a feeding process of a current recording sheet is started before a detection portion detects whether or not a last preceding inserting sheet is present on a supporting portion selected as a feeding source of an inserting sheet from among the plurality of supporting portions. The controller is configured to start the feeding process of the current recording sheet in the feed-before-detection mode and cause the second supporting portion to feed the last preceding inserting sheet.