Print Media Curl Suppression for Accurate Tray Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Print media with curling issues can cause improper sorting when using a movable tray, leading to misalignment and stacking errors.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with a determining unit to suppress curling by adjusting the retention period and a movable stacking unit to execute sorting operations, ensuring proper stacking even with curled media.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a movable tray is used to sort print media, then sorting operation can be executed, but curling of print medium causes improper sorting and stacking errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by suppressing curling of the print medium before the sorting operation is executed. The curling suppression is performed in advance (during or before the conveying process) so that when the movable tray moves to sort the print media, the curling is already minimized, ensuring proper stacking accuracy during the sorting operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If curling suppression operation is executed, then stacking accuracy is improved, but retention period in conveying path is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the retention period parameter in the conveying path based on whether sorting operation is executed. When sorting operation is performed, the retention period is extended to allow sufficient time for curling suppression. The control unit modifies this parameter dynamically, extending the retention period only when necessary for sorting operations, thereby optimizing the balance between stacking accuracy and time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a technique that enables proper sorting of discharged print media by suppressing curling of each of the print media sufficiently. A determining unit determines a curling suppressing operation to be executed such that in a case where sorting operation is executed, the suppressing operation having a higher effect of suppressing curling is executed than in a case where the sorting operation is executed. Then, a print control unit controls a print head to perform printing on print media while executing the suppressing operation determined by the determining unit.