Intermediate Conveying Apparatus for Batch Sheet Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

In the field of quick printing, existing systems face challenges in maximizing productivity due to limitations in conveyance speed and the need for intermediate storing sections in both image forming and post-processing apparatuses, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

An intermediate conveying apparatus that superposes multiple sheets from the image forming apparatus, temporarily stores them, and conveys them as a single set to the post-processing apparatus, utilizing a communication device and conveyance control system to manage sheet processing and communication between devices, allowing for efficient batch processing and reduced unnecessary apparatuses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If an intermediate storing section is provided in both the image forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus, then sheet processing can be buffered between devices, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesheet processing throughputVSAvoidnumber of intermediate storing sections

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the intermediate storing function into a single location within the post-processing apparatus, eliminating the need for separate intermediate storing sections in both the image forming apparatus and post-processing apparatus. This consolidation reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the buffering capability needed for sheet processing throughput.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The intermediate storing section in the post-processing apparatus serves multiple functions: it buffers sheets from the image forming apparatus, stores processed sheets temporarily, and facilitates batch processing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate storing sections in each device, reducing complexity while maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If the conveyance speed in the post-processing apparatus is increased to reduce sheet intervals, then processing throughput improves, but the image forming apparatus must also operate at higher speeds which is approaching its limit

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of processed sheets per unit timeVSAvoidconveyance speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic batch processing where multiple sheets are accumulated and processed together in sets. This allows the post-processing apparatus to operate at optimized speeds for batch handling rather than continuous high-speed individual sheet processing, improving throughput without requiring the image forming apparatus to exceed its speed limits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The intermediate storing section accumulates sheets in advance before post-processing begins. This preliminary accumulation allows the system to prepare batches for processing without requiring the image forming apparatus to maintain continuously high speeds, as sheets are gathered over time and then processed as a group.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If an intermediate storing section is provided in the image forming apparatus, then sheets can be buffered before post-processing, but the apparatus becomes unnecessary when no post-processing is connected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesheet buffering capabilityVSAvoidcompatibility with different configurations

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the intermediate storing function from the image forming apparatus and relocates it to the post-processing apparatus. This extraction allows the image forming apparatus to remain simple and compatible with various configurations, while the post-processing apparatus gains the buffering capability needed for improved productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The intermediate storing section acts as an intermediary component within the post-processing apparatus, mediating between the image forming apparatus and the post-processing functions. This placement allows the storing section to serve its buffering purpose without being permanently attached to the image forming apparatus, maintaining system versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS7905477B2Intermediate conveying apparatus

Publication Date: 2011.03.15 KONICA MINOLTA BUSINESS TECH INC

AI summary

A conveyance control device of an intermediate conveying apparatus calculates the number of sweets finished in terms of processing, based on information about the number of superposed sheets for one set and about the number of sets finished in terms of processing received from the post-processing apparatus, and controls to transmit the calculated number of sheets to the aforesaid image forming apparatus.