Movable Stapler Positioning for Power Saving in Image Formers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming systems with post-processing apparatuses require users to wait for the stapling mechanism to move to a standby position for manual stapling, especially when the system is in a power-saving state, increasing user wait time and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The system includes a stapling unit that can move to a manual stapling position within the post-processing apparatus, allowing for manual stapling independent of image forming operations, and a detection unit to set sheets for stapling, with a movement control unit that positions the stapling unit for power-saving states, enabling the system to return to standby without user delay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the stapling mechanism is moved to a standby position for automatic stapling, then the automatic stapling process can be performed, but the user wait time for manual stapling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stapling mechanism is pre-positioned at the manual stapling standby position when the apparatus is in power-saving mode, so that when the user initiates manual stapling, the mechanism is already in the correct position and can perform the stapling operation immediately without requiring movement time
Solution Approach 2:
The stapling mechanism dynamically changes its standby position based on the operational mode: it positions at the automatic stapling location during automatic operations, and at the manual stapling location during power-saving mode, optimizing performance for each mode
2Ease of operation
If the stapling mechanism remains in standby position for manual stapling, then user access is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
When the apparatus enters power-saving mode, the control unit automatically positions the stapling mechanism at the manual stapling standby position in advance, so that when the user needs manual stapling, the mechanism is already prepared and positioned correctly, enabling immediate operation without prolonged idle positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by switching between different standby positions based on the power mode, optimizing the balance between ease of operation and power consumption
3Manufacturing precision
If the stapling mechanism moves to detect home position, then positioning accuracy is ensured, but the waiting time before manual stapling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stapling mechanism performs home position detection and positioning in advance when entering power-saving mode, so that when manual stapling is requested, the mechanism is already at the correct standby position with confirmed positioning accuracy, eliminating the need for real-time detection during user operation
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming system which is capable of, when a manual stapling process is to be carried out on sheets, reducing waiting time for a user and decreasing power consumption. The image forming system has an image forming apparatus, which forms images on sheets, and a sheet post-processing apparatus. When the sheet post-processing apparatus is to shift into a power-saving state, a movable stapler is moved to a manual stapling position. When it is detected that sheets have been set into a sheet setting unit in a state in which the image forming apparatus and the sheet post-processing apparatus have shifted into the power-saving state, the image forming apparatus is held in the power-saving state, and the sheet post-processing apparatus is returned from the power-saving state.