Printing Apparatus Drying Module Anomaly Compensation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing apparatuses face downtime and reduced productivity when output from one of the drying modules decreases, leading to potential image quality degradation and increased user downtime.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus equipped with a conveyance unit, detection unit, control unit, and obtainment unit that detects anomalous modules and adjusts either the output of normal modules or the conveyance speed to maintain operation, ensuring continuous printing by compensating for decreased module performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the printing apparatus stops operation to replace a drying module with decreased output, then the image quality can be maintained, but the productivity and downtime are adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit changes operational parameters by adjusting the conveyance speed of the printing media or modifying the output of other drying modules when an anomaly is detected. This allows the system to maintain image quality through parameter optimization while avoiding complete shutdown, thereby preserving productivity.
2Productivity
If the printing apparatus continues operation with an anomalous drying module, then the productivity is maintained, but the image quality may degrade
Solution Approach 1:
The detection unit continuously monitors the output of drying modules and provides feedback to the control unit. When an anomaly is detected, the control unit responds by adjusting operational parameters such as conveyance speed or redistributing workload among normal modules, ensuring image quality is maintained while continuing operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters based on real-time detection results. By adjusting conveyance speed or modifying the output of other modules, the system adapts to the anomalous condition while maintaining both image quality and productivity.
3Reliability
If the conveyance speed is reduced to compensate for decreased module output, then the image quality is maintained, but the processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit adjusts the conveyance speed parameter within an optimized range that maintains image quality while minimizing processing time extension. This balanced parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between quality maintenance and time efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines the output of multiple normal drying modules to compensate for the anomalous module's decreased performance. By merging the capacity of remaining modules and optimizing their collective output, the system maintains image quality without requiring excessive reduction in conveyance speed.
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
Prevents productivity degradation and maintains image quality by compensating for reduced output from drying or cooling modules, allowing the printing apparatus to operate continuously without stopping.
Implementation Method 1
drying modules that dry ink applied to a surface of a printing sheet
Implementation Method 2
modules that cool a printing sheet after drying
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus, including: at least one memory and at least one processor which function as: a conveyance unit configured to convey a printing media on which an image is printed by a printing unit; a detection unit configured to detect whether an anomalous module exists among a plurality of modules for drying the printing media conveyed by the conveyance unit; a control unit configured to execute either first control for controlling output from any normal module among the plurality of modules or second control for controlling conveyance speed of the printing media in a case where the detection unit detects that an anomalous module exists; and an obtainment unit obtain temperature to be set to the normal module in a case where the detection unit detects that an anomalous module exists.