Modular Stacker Post-Processing for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses lack flexibility in post-processing capabilities, particularly in handling varying printing speeds and loading amounts of printed media, as existing systems are not adaptable to different printing speeds and require fixed post-processing configurations.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus incorporates a printed medium post-processing unit with modular components, including stacker, buffer, and transfer modules, allowing for selective configuration based on printing speed and media loading needs, such as the use of first and second stacker modules and buffer or transfer modules, to manage post-processing and loading efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed post-processing configuration is used, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different printing speeds and loading amounts is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The post-processing unit is divided into multiple independent stacker modules (first stacker module, second stacker module) with different loading capacities. Each module can be selectively activated based on printing speed requirements and media loading needs, allowing the system to adapt to different operating conditions without requiring a complete redesign of the post-processing configuration.
2Quantity of substance
If a first stacker module with a first amount of loading capacity is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the loading amount capability is insufficient for high-volume printing
Solution Approach 1:
The first stacker module and second stacker module are arranged in a nested or hierarchical configuration where the second stacker module can serve as an extension or backup to the first stacker module. This allows the system to provide different loading amounts by selectively using one or both modules, effectively creating a scalable loading capacity without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
3Quantity of substance
If a second stacker module with a second amount of loading capacity is used, then the loading amount capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Both the first stacker module and second stacker module are designed with universal functionality to handle different types of printed media. The modules can be selectively activated based on the specific printing task requirements, allowing the system to provide increased loading capacity when needed while maintaining operational simplicity for smaller volume tasks, thus improving the overall versatility without permanently increasing device complexity.
4Productivity
If a buffer module is used to temporarily store printed media, then the productivity is improved by handling varying printing speeds, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer module acts as an intermediary between the image forming unit and the post-processing module, temporarily storing printed media when the post-processing speed is slower than the printing speed. This mediation allows the system to handle varying printing speeds without requiring complex real-time speed synchronization mechanisms, thereby improving productivity while keeping the overall device complexity manageable.
5Productivity
If a transfer module is used to transfer printed media, then the productivity is improved by continuous operation, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer module is designed to continuously transfer printed media from the buffer module to the post-processing module without interrupting the printing operation. This continuous action ensures that the image forming unit can maintain its printing speed while the post-processing module works at its own pace, thereby improving overall productivity. The modular design of the transfer mechanism keeps the added complexity minimal by focusing only on the essential continuous transfer function.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus is provided including an image forming unit configured to form an image on a print medium, and a printed medium post-processing unit configured to receive and post-process printed media on which an image forming process is completed from the image forming unit. The printed medium post-processing unit selectively comprises one of a first stacker module in which a first amount of post-processed printed media is able to be loaded, and a second stacker module in which a second amount of post-processed printed media is able to be loaded. Therefore, it may be possible to flexibly respond to a loading amount of the printed media necessary for the printed medium post-processing unit.