Partition Sheet Inserter for Jammed Paper Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image formation systems with a single paper ejection tray, it is difficult for users to distinguish between usable and unusable paper sheets after a paper jam, as both are discharged to the same tray, leading to potential confusion, especially when different paper sizes are involved.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a partition paper sheet inserter that inserts a distinct paper sheet on the ejection tray before discharging remaining sheets, with a control unit managing the insertion and notification to users, ensuring the unusable sheet is easily identifiable by shifting it relative to the usable sheet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If both usable and unusable paper sheets are discharged to the same paper ejection tray, then the device structure is simplified, but the user cannot easily distinguish between usable and unusable paper sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the paper ejection tray into two distinct regions: a first region for receiving usable paper sheets and a second region for receiving unusable paper sheets. This spatial segmentation allows users to easily distinguish between usable and unusable paper sheets while maintaining a single tray structure, thus resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and user distinguishability.
2Ease of operation
If a partition paper sheet is inserted on the ejection tray, then usable and unusable paper sheets can be distinguished, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding a physical partition structure that would increase device complexity, the invention uses the dimensional space within the existing tray by defining distinct first and second regions. This approach achieves paper sheet distinction through spatial organization rather than additional structural elements, thereby avoiding increased device complexity while improving ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different paper sizes are mixed in one print job, then the system handles diverse printing needs, but shifting unusable paper sheet position causes confusion between size differences and jam-induced shifts
Solution Approach 1:
The invention preliminarily designates specific first and second regions on the paper ejection tray for different paper sheet types before discharge. By pre-establishing these regional distinctions, the system ensures that even when different paper sizes are mixed, users can identify unusable paper sheets by their location in the second region rather than by position shifts alone, thus maintaining ease of operation while handling diverse paper sizes.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an image formation system including an image formation device and a post-processing device configured to convey a paper sheet on which an image has been formed at the image formation device or carry out post-processing thereon, including: a paper ejection tray on which the discharged paper sheet is placed; a jam detector configured to detect a jam of the paper sheet conveyed in a paper conveyance passage; a partition paper sheet inserter configured to insert a partition paper sheet on the paper ejection tray; and a control unit, wherein the control unit controls the partition paper sheet inserter such that, after the jam is detected and paper sheets to be removed, at least including a responsible paper sheet, are removed, the partition paper sheet is inserted on the paper ejection tray before the paper sheet remaining in the paper conveyance passage is discharged to the paper ejection tray.