Image Forming Layouts for Readable Pressure-Bonded Prints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming systems face issues with pressure-bonding prints where toner images on folded surfaces are not readable until peeled apart, and stapling can cause jamming in the feeding passage.
Innovation Solution
An image forming system with an image forming apparatus that forms toner images on a recording material with a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, a folding unit that folds the material with the adhesive layer inside, and a pressure-bonding unit that applies heat and pressure to bond the folded material, allowing for selectable layout and pressure-bonding modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If layout change is set to form multiple toner images on one page, then productivity is improved, but the toner image becomes unreadable on the pressure-bonding surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the treatment of different surfaces of the recording material. The first surface (pressure-bonding surface) maintains single-image layout for readability, while the second surface can accommodate layout changes. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction by preserving image readability where needed while enabling productivity gains elsewhere.
2Productivity
If stapling is set to bind multiple recording materials, then productivity is improved, but jamming occurs in the feeding passage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the stapling operation after the pressure-bonding process is complete. The recording material first undergoes folding and pressure-bonding to create the finished product, then is subsequently stapled. This sequence prevents jamming in the feeding passage while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the stapling operation conditional and adjustable. The stapling function is activated only when necessary (when multiple recording materials need binding) and can be dynamically controlled based on the specific job requirements, allowing flexible adaptation without causing jamming.
3Strength
If pressure-bonding is applied to folded recording material, then the recording material is bonded together, but the toner image on the folded surface becomes unreadable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the recording material into distinct surfaces with different functions. The first surface (pressure-bonding surface) is designed for bonding and does not require readability, while the second surface maintains readability for the toner image. This functional segmentation resolves the contradiction between bonding strength and image readability.
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 readable toner images on pressure-bonded surfaces without peeling and prevents jamming by controlling the folding and bonding process, ensuring efficient production of pressure-bonding prints.
Implementation Method 1
a recording material having a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer on a surface thereof
Implementation Method 2
a fixing unit configured to fix the toner image on the recording material
Implementation Method 3
a folding processing portion configured to fold the recording material, on which the toner image is fixed by the fixing unit
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming system includes an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit and a fixing unit; a folding processing portion; a pressure-bonding portion; and an input portion capable of selecting a pressure-bonding mode in which a pressure-bonding print prepared by subjecting the recording material to pressure-bonding processing by the folding processing portion and the pressure-bonding portion and capable of selecting a layout of the toner image formed on the recording material. When the pressure-bonding mode is selected, the layout depending on the pressure-bonding mode is selected.