Printing System Relay Unit Path Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
In printing systems, when the post-process unit becomes inoperable, existing configurations lead to a decrease in productivity due to the need for additional sheltering apparatuses, which can increase the system's size and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A printing system with a discharging unit, a mounting unit, a relay transportation unit having a switching member, and a control unit that switches the switching member between a relay path and a mounting path, allowing media to be discharged to the mounting unit when the post-process unit is inoperable, thereby preventing system shutdown and size increase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an additional sheltering apparatus is provided between the printing unit and the post-process unit to prevent productivity decrease when the post-process unit becomes inoperable, then productivity is maintained, but the system size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting unit is designed to serve dual functions: normally accommodating media discharged from the discharging unit, and alternatively serving as a sheltering destination when the post-process unit becomes inoperable. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate sheltering apparatus, maintaining productivity while avoiding system size increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the sheltering function into the existing mounting unit structure. By combining the normal media accommodation function with the emergency sheltering function in a single integrated unit, the system avoids adding separate components, thus maintaining productivity without increasing system size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a relay transportation unit with switching member is introduced to enable flexible media routing, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The relay transportation unit incorporates a switching member that can dynamically change the media transport path between two destinations (post-process unit or mounting unit). This dynamic switching capability provides routing flexibility while the switching mechanism is designed to be relatively simple, avoiding excessive complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay transportation unit acts as an intermediary between the discharging unit and the two possible destinations (post-process unit and mounting unit). This intermediary structure with a switching member enables flexible routing without requiring direct complex connections between all components, thus improving adaptability while controlling complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing system includes a discharging unit, a mounting unit, a post-process unit, a relay unit, and a control unit. The discharging unit discharges sheets. The mounting unit is provided to an apparatus body, and sheets are mounted on the mounting unit. The post-process unit performs a post-process on sheets. The relay unit is provided to the apparatus body, is configured to transport sheets to the post-process unit, and includes a lower path member. The lower path member is configured to be switched between a first state in which the lower path member serves as part of a relay path from the discharging unit to the post-process unit and a second state in which the lower path member opens the relay path. The control unit, when the lower path member is in the second state, makes sheets be discharged from the discharging unit to the mounting unit.