Movable Path Guide for Automatic Print-to-Scan Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multifunctional printers (MFPs) require users to manually move printed pages from the output tray to the scanner, which is inconvenient and time-consuming, especially when initiating a print job remotely and needing to scan or view digital scans.
Innovation Solution
The MFP design includes a movable path guide at the post-print junction that routes printed paper directly into an auto document feeder for scanning, allowing seamless integration of printing and scanning without user intervention, enabling automatic scanning and output to a scan output tray.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If printed pages are routed to a print output tray through a finisher, then the printing function is completed efficiently, but the user must manually move pages to the scanner which increases operation time and reduces automation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the print output path and scan input path into a single integrated paper path. The print output tray is positioned to receive pages directly from the printer, and the auto document feeder is positioned to receive pages directly from the same path, eliminating the need for manual page movement between separate output and input locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The paper path is designed to serve multiple functions: it can route pages to the print output tray for collection, to the auto document feeder for scanning, or to both destinations sequentially. This multi-functional path allows the system to handle different operation modes (print-only, scan-only, print-then-scan) without requiring separate physical paths.
2Ease of operation
If a separate scan input tray is used, then scanning functionality is provided, but the user must physically relocate pages from the print output tray to the scan input tray which reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the print output tray and scan input tray into a single integrated tray structure. This unified tray receives printed pages and automatically feeds them to the scanner, eliminating the need for users to physically move pages between separate trays while maintaining both printing and scanning capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The auto document feeder acts as an intermediary component between the print output path and the scanner. It automatically captures pages from the integrated tray and feeds them into the scanning mechanism, serving as a mediator that connects the printing and scanning functions without requiring manual user intervention.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the paper path branches to separate destinations, then printing and scanning can occur independently, but routing control becomes more complex requiring additional path guides and junctions
Solution Approach 1:
The single integrated paper path is designed to handle multiple routing scenarios: pages can be routed to the print output tray only, to the auto document feeder only, or to both destinations in sequence. This universal path design provides the flexibility of multiple routing options without requiring separate physical paths for each destination.
Solution Approach 2:
The paper path incorporates movable path guides that can dynamically adjust their position to direct pages to different destinations. These path guides can shift between positions to route pages to the print output tray, the auto document feeder, or both, providing adaptive routing control without requiring complex fixed infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
A multifunctional printer having a printer section, an auto document feeder, a scanner section, a print path, and a path guide. When the multifunctional printer is not in a print and scan mode, the path guide can move to a position that routes printed paper from the print path to a print output tray. When the multifunctional printer is not in a print and scan mode, the path guide can move to a position that routes printed paper from the print path to the auto document feeder, where it can be scanned.