Integrated Reverse Path Guide for Double-Sided Printing

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing double-sided image forming apparatuses are limited by slow printing speeds and high costs due to complex installation requirements and the need for additional reversing units, which increase weight and complexity.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus design that integrates a single reverse path and guide members to facilitate double-sided printing without additional installation, reducing the need for multiple rollers and guide members, and allowing for detachable reverse units to minimize costs and installation time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a complex reversing unit with multiple rollers and guide members is installed to enable double-sided printing, then double-sided printing capability is achieved, but the weight, cost, and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedouble-sided printing capabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of reversing mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the reverse path and discharge path into a single integrated path structure. The connection portion serves as a shared junction where recording media can be directed to either the reverse path or discharge path based on operational mode, eliminating the need for separate, independent path systems and reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection portion is designed as a multi-functional element that serves multiple purposes: it acts as a junction for the reverse path, a junction for the discharge path, and provides guidance for recording media in both single-sided and double-sided printing modes. This universal design reduces the need for dedicated components for each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional reversing units with multiple rollers and guide members are added to enable double-sided printing, then double-sided printing capability is achieved, but the weight and cost of the apparatus increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedouble-sided printing capabilityVSAvoidweight of apparatus

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the reverse path and discharge path into a single integrated structure that shares common components. By merging these paths, the apparatus eliminates redundant rollers and guide members that would otherwise be required for separate path systems, directly reducing the overall weight

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection portion is designed as a multi-functional element that serves multiple purposes: it acts as a junction for the reverse path, a junction for the discharge path, and provides guidance for recording media in both single-sided and double-sided printing modes. This universal design reduces the need for dedicated components for each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a complex reversing mechanism with multiple guide members is installed to enable double-sided printing, then double-sided printing capability is achieved, but the installation time and installation cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedouble-sided printing capabilityVSAvoidinstallation time and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the reverse path and discharge path into a single integrated path structure. The connection portion serves as a shared junction where recording media can be directed to either the reverse path or discharge path based on operational mode, eliminating the need for separate, independent path systems and reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection portion is designed as a multi-functional element that serves multiple purposes: it acts as a junction for the reverse path, a junction for the discharge path, and provides guidance for recording media in both single-sided and double-sided printing modes. This universal design reduces the need for dedicated components for each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9150373B2Image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2015.10.06 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes a discharge path through which the recording medium that has passed through the printing path is discharged; a reverse path in which the recording medium that has passed through the printing path is reversed; a resupply path in which the recording medium which reversely travels along the reverse path is guided to the printing path; a connection portion in which the printing path, the discharge path, the reverse path, and the resupply path cross one another; and a first guide member that is disposed in the connection portion.