Sheet Discharger Bypass Route for Jammed Sheet Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In printing systems with multiple connected printers and optional apparatuses, sheet jams lead to a large number of sheets remaining in the conveyance route, increasing labor for removal due to the extended size and sheet conveyance route length, particularly when jams occur at the most downstream discharger.
Innovation Solution
A sheet discharger with an accommodator, conveyor, detector, and controller that continues sheet discharge upon detecting a jam in a state where discharge is possible, allowing for switching the discharge destination to reduce labor in removing sheets by separating properly and improperly printed sheets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple printers and optional apparatuses are connected in series to increase printing speed, then printing speed is improved, but the sheet conveyance route becomes long and the number of sheets remaining during a jam increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the jammed sheet from the main conveyance route by introducing a bypass route. When a jam is detected in the accommodator, the controller activates the bypass route to extract and discharge subsequent sheets separately, effectively removing the problematic sheet from the long conveyance path without stopping the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass route acts as an intermediary path between the jammed accommodator and the discharge destination. This intermediate conveyance route allows sheets to be discharged around the jammed section, mediating the conflict between maintaining continuous operation and avoiding the blocked path.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sheet conveyance route is extended to accommodate multiple apparatuses, then more functions are available, but labor for removing sheets during a jam increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the labor-intensive task of sheet removal from the manual operation domain by implementing an automated bypass discharge mechanism. The controller automatically detects jams and redirects sheets through the bypass route, extracting the problematic sheets from the main flow without requiring operator intervention for removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting jams through sensors and independently managing the discharge of jammed sheets through the bypass route. The controller monitors the accommodator state and autonomously activates the alternative discharge path, reducing the need for human labor in sheet removal operations.
3Reliability
If the conveyor stops upon detecting a jam, then the jammed sheet can be identified, but the number of sheets remaining in the conveyance route increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sheet discharge process into two separate paths: the main route through the accommodator and the bypass route. This segmentation allows the system to continue discharging sheets through the bypass route even when the accommodator is jammed, preventing the accumulation of sheets in the main conveyance route while maintaining discharge functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass route enables continuous sheet discharge action even when the accommodator is jammed. By maintaining the conveyor operation through the alternative path, the system preserves the useful action of sheet discharge without interruption, preventing the buildup of remaining sheets that would occur if the entire system stopped.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet discharger includes: an accommodator configured to accommodate sheets; a conveyor configured to convey and discharge a sheet to the accommodator; a detector configured to detect whether a jam of a sheet has occurred in the accommodator and a state of the jam; and a controller configured to control the conveyor to continue sheet discharge upon detection by the detector of the jam in a state where sheet discharge of a jammed sheet is possible.