Printer Roller Dynamics for Jam-Free High Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional recording apparatuses face challenges in improving throughput while preventing sheet jams, particularly when the second and third roller pairs are driven in synchronization, leading to increased manufacturing costs and complex control systems.
Innovation Solution
A recording apparatus with multiple recording modules, including a first and second recording module, a shared conveyor path, and a controller that determines the leading edge of the recording medium's presence to control the movement of rollers and switchers, allowing for independent operation of the roller pairs to prevent jams and enhance throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the second and third roller pairs are driven in synchronization with each other, then the control system is simplified and manufacturing cost is reduced, but sheet jams occur between the continuously driven second roller pair and the intermittently driven first roller pair
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the drive state of the second roller pair changeable - it can operate in synchronized mode with the first roller pair or independently continuous mode. The controller dynamically switches between these modes based on operational requirements, allowing the system to adapt between simplified control and jam prevention as needed
2Productivity
If the second roller pair is driven continuously to supply sheets to the second image forming device, then throughput is improved, but sheet jams occur due to synchronization issues with the intermittently driven first roller pair
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the drive state of the second roller pair based on real-time conditions. When the first roller pair is intermittently driving sheets through the shared path, the controller switches the second roller pair to synchronized intermittent operation to prevent jams. When the first roller pair is not using the shared path, the second roller pair operates in continuous mode to maximize throughput
3Reliability
If the second roller pair is driven intermittently in accordance with the first roller pair to prevent jams, then sheet jam prevention is improved, but throughput is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically switches the second roller pair between intermittent operation (when the first roller pair is active on the shared path) and continuous operation (when the first roller pair is inactive). This dynamic adjustment allows the system to prevent jams during shared path usage while maximizing throughput during exclusive usage of the second path
Data Source
AI summary
A recording apparatus includes: first and second recording modules; a storage accommodating a recording medium; a first path extending from the storage to the first recording module; a second path extending from the storage to the second recording module and including a first shared portion shared with the first path; a first roller pair disposed downstream of a first branch position on the first path; and a movement causing member for moving two rollers of the first roller pair to a contact position or a separated position. A controller is configured to: determine whether a leading edge of the recording medium has reached an individual conveyor of the first recording module; when the leading edge has reached the individual conveyor, move the two rollers to the separated position; and supply a recording medium from the storage to the second recording module.