Sheet Conveyance Synchronization via Dual Controller Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In sheet conveying systems with interconnected apparatuses, synchronizing the conveyance of paper sheets between upstream and downstream apparatuses is challenging, especially when the sheet straddles both, leading to delays and difficulty in achieving synchronization.
Innovation Solution
A sheet conveying system with upstream and downstream apparatuses, each equipped with conveyors and drivers, and controllers connected via dedicated signal lines, allowing for switching between control modes to synchronize the conveyance of sheets by controlling the upstream and downstream drivers through specific signal lines based on sheet information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the controller of the upstream apparatus controls the conveying rollers of both upstream and downstream apparatuses, then the conveyance can be synchronized, but a delay occurs due to the control signal transmission through the downstream controller
Solution Approach 1:
The control function is segmented between two controllers: the upstream controller directly controls the upstream conveying rollers, while the downstream controller directly controls the downstream conveying rollers. This segmentation eliminates control delays by allowing each controller to independently and simultaneously control its respective apparatus without signal transmission delays through intermediate controllers.
Solution Approach 2:
A control signal line is introduced as an intermediary communication channel between the upstream controller and downstream controller. This dedicated signal line enables direct coordination between the two controllers, allowing them to synchronize their operations without the delays associated with hierarchical control structures.
2Ease of operation
If each controller independently controls its own conveying rollers, then control simplicity is maintained, but synchronization between upstream and downstream apparatuses becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The downstream controller receives control signals from the upstream controller via a dedicated control signal line, creating a feedback mechanism that enables coordination. This allows each controller to maintain operational independence while still achieving synchronization through the feedback loop established by the control signal line.
Solution Approach 2:
The control signal line serves multiple functions: it transmits control commands from the upstream controller to the downstream controller, carries synchronization information, and enables coordinated operation of both apparatuses. This multi-functionality maintains control simplicity while achieving synchronization.
3Reliability
If a control signal line is added between upstream and downstream controllers, then synchronization is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control signal line is extracted as a separate, dedicated communication channel from the existing control architecture. This extraction allows synchronization functionality to be added without complicating the existing controller designs, as the signal line operates as an independent element that simply carries synchronization commands between controllers.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet conveying system includes: an upstream apparatus provided on an upstream side in a conveyance direction of a paper sheet; a downstream apparatus provided on a downstream side of the upstream apparatus; an upstream conveyor that conveys the paper sheet; an upstream driver that drives the upstream conveyor; a downstream conveyor that receives the paper sheet conveyed from the upstream conveyor, and conveys the paper sheet received from the upstream conveyor; a downstream driver that drives the downstream conveyor; an upstream controller that is connected to the upstream and downstream drivers; and a downstream controller that is connected to the downstream and upstream drivers, wherein the sheet conveying system switches control on the basis of sheet information between first control in which the upstream controller controls the upstream and downstream drivers and second control in which the downstream controller controls the downstream and upstream drivers.