Sheet Conveyor Speed Control for Image Forming Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming systems face challenges in optimizing sheet conveyance speeds to match the specifications of different image forming apparatus models, leading to inefficiencies in copy or print times.

Innovation Solution

A sheet conveyor device with a judgement section and a speed determining section that identifies the model group of the image forming apparatus based on specification information and adjusts the conveyance speed accordingly, ensuring synchronized operation with the image forming system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a fixed conveyance speed is used in the sheet conveyor device, then the device structure is simple, but the copy time or print time cannot be shortened due to inability to match different image forming apparatus specifications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecopy timeVSAvoidconveyance speed control
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyance speed of the sheet conveyor device is made variable and adjustable based on the detected model group of the image forming apparatus. The controller dynamically changes the conveyance speed according to specifications such as copying speed or printing speed, transforming a static system into a dynamic one that adapts to different operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the conveyance speed parameter based on the detected model group and its associated specifications. By storing correspondence relationships between model groups and optimal conveyance speeds, the system adjusts this critical parameter to match the capabilities of different image forming apparatus, thereby optimizing copy and print times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the sheet conveyor device uses a universal design for all image forming apparatus, then the device complexity is low, but it cannot optimize conveyance speed for specific model groups

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprint timeVSAvoidspecification detection
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sheet conveyor device automatically detects the model group of the connected image forming apparatus and autonomously determines the appropriate conveyance speed without manual intervention. The controller retrieves the corresponding conveyance speed based on the detected specifications, enabling the system to self-optimize for different apparatus models.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates a detection mechanism that identifies the model group of the image forming apparatus and uses this information to feedback-adjust the conveyance speed. This closed-loop approach ensures that the conveyance speed is continuously optimized based on the actual specifications of the connected device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of time

If the conveyance speed is not synchronized with image forming apparatus specifications, then the system operation is simple, but the first copy time or first print time cannot be minimized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefirst copy timeVSAvoidspeed synchronization
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller pre-stores the correspondence relationships between model groups and optimal conveyance speeds before operation begins. When the image forming apparatus is detected, the system immediately retrieves and applies the appropriate conveyance speed from pre-configured data, enabling rapid synchronization without complex real-time calculations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11117777B2Sheet conveyor device and image forming system
Publication Date: 2021.09.14 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC
  • US11117777B2 patent drawing
  • US11117777B2 patent drawing
  • US11117777B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A sheet conveyor device is to be attachably and detachably mounted to an external apparatus which forms an image on a sheet. The sheet conveyor device includes a judgement section, a speed determining section, and a conveyance controller. The judgement section determines which of a plurality of model groups the external apparatus belongs to based on specification information indicating specifications of the external apparatus. The speed determining section determines a conveyance speed at which the sheet is to be conveyed based on the determined model group. The conveyance controller directs conveyance of the sheet at the determined conveyance speed.