Printer Sheet Path LED Jam Indication for Faster Fault Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing systems require operators to physically move to the operation section of the image forming apparatus to determine the location of a sheet jam, which is inefficient and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
The system employs LEDs in various units of the printer to indicate the location and type of events, such as jams, by changing color or pattern, allowing operators to identify issues without moving to the operation section.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the image forming apparatus provides notification of sheet jam only through its operation section, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the operator must physically move to the operation section to determine the jam location
Solution Approach 1:
The notification function is segmented between the image forming apparatus operation section and the sheet conveying apparatus. LEDs are distributed at multiple locations on the sheet conveying apparatus body, allowing localized notification without requiring centralized control. This segmentation enables operators to identify jam locations directly at the apparatus rather than returning to the operation section.
Solution Approach 2:
LEDs serve as an intermediary notification medium between the sheet conveying apparatus and the operator. When a sheet jam is detected, the control unit activates specific LEDs at the location where the jam occurred, providing visual feedback that mediates the communication between the system state and the operator, eliminating the need for the operator to check the operation section.
2Ease of operation
If LEDs are installed in multiple units of the printer to indicate jam locations, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The notification function is segmented between the image forming apparatus operation section and the sheet conveying apparatus. LEDs are distributed at multiple locations on the sheet conveying apparatus body, allowing localized notification without requiring centralized control. This segmentation enables operators to identify jam locations directly at the apparatus rather than returning to the operation section.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet conveying apparatus performs self-notification by displaying jam location information directly on its own body through LEDs. This self-service capability allows the apparatus to inform operators of issues without requiring additional centralized notification systems, reducing overall system complexity while improving accessibility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables easy identification of jam locations and types directly from the printer units, improving operational convenience and efficiency by reducing the need for physical movement.
Implementation Method 1
The LED 216 is a unit for notifying an operator of the occurrence of a jam in the lower conveying section 202-3 by lighting in red
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
The present invention provides a mechanism for enabling the operator to determine in which module a sheet jam has occurred, without checking the operation section of the image forming apparatus. A printing system (102, 103, 104) includes image forming means (201) and sheet conveying means (201-2 - 211-3) configured to convey a sheet from and/or to the image forming means (201), wherein the sheet conveying means (201-2 - 211-3) includes a first sheet conveying path (201-2 - 211-2) and a second sheet conveying path (201-3 -211-3), and wherein the sheet conveying means (201-2 - 211-3) includes first display means (216-2, 216-4, 216-5, 216-7, 216-9, 216-11, 216-13, 216-15) configured to indicate a sheet jam in the first sheet conveying path (201-2 - 211-2) and second display means (216-1, 216-6, 216-8, 216-10, 216-12, 216-14, 216-16) configured to indicate a sheet jam in the second sheet conveying path (201-3 -211-3).