Printer Tab Sheet Discharge Control for Type Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In printing apparatuses, when multiple types of tab sheets are used for different page breaks, the unnecessary tab sheets are discharged into a single tray, requiring manual sorting, which is burdensome for users.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a tab sheet supply unit and a control unit that distinguishes and separately discharges unnecessary tab sheets by type, using different discharge trays, inserting separating sheets, or offsetting discharge positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple types of tab sheets are discharged into a single discharge tray, then the discharge process is simple, but the user burden increases due to manual sorting required
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge tray is divided into multiple discharge destinations (first discharge tray and second discharge tray) to separate different types of tab sheets. The control unit identifies the type of each tab sheet and directs it to the appropriate discharge destination, eliminating the need for manual sorting by users.
2Ease of operation
If tab sheets are discharged separately by type to different trays, then manual sorting is eliminated, but the discharge system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that identifies tab sheet types and determines appropriate discharge destinations. It inserts separating sheets between different types of tab sheets in the discharge stack, automating the sorting process without requiring complex mechanical separation devices.
3Ease of operation
If separating sheets are inserted at each tab sheet type break, then tab sheets are clearly separated by type, but the amount of additional material increases
Solution Approach 1:
Separating sheets are inserted locally only at the boundaries where different types of tab sheets meet in the discharge stack. This targeted approach provides clear separation where needed while minimizing the total amount of separating sheet material used compared to placing separators between every tab sheet.
Data Source
AI summary
The printer as an image forming apparatus supplies a plurality of types of tab sheet, and distinguishably discharges the tab sheets that became no longer necessary according to the type of tab sheets.