Sheet Stacking Section for Image Processing Apparatus
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image processing apparatuses face issues with managing sheet storage, where too many sheets in the supplying section cannot be processed until started, and the receiving section becomes full, leading to inefficiencies in image erasing and reuse processes.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a sheet stacking section that functions as both a supplying and receiving section, with conveyance paths and switching members controlled by a processor to manage sheet flow, determining reusability, and routing sheets to appropriate trays based on user settings and sensor inputs, ensuring optimal storage and processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If sheets are accumulated in the supplying section, then the apparatus can process batches of sheets, but the sheets cannot be processed until the start button is pressed, leading to idle time and reduced productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus performs preliminary actions by automatically conveying sheets from the supplying section to the receiving section before the user presses the start button. The control section detects the number of sheets and initiates automatic conveyance, so that sheets are pre-positioned and ready for processing without waiting for manual intervention, thus eliminating idle time and improving productivity
2Quantity of substance
If the receiving section is used to store erased sheets, then processed sheets can be collected, but the section becomes full and cannot accommodate more sheets, halting the processing workflow
Solution Approach 1:
The control section continuously monitors the number of sheets in the receiving section and provides feedback to adjust the conveyance operation. When the receiving section approaches full capacity, the system automatically controls the conveyance section to stop or redirect sheet flow, preventing overflow and ensuring continuous processing by managing sheet accumulation dynamically based on real-time capacity status
3Device complexity
If a single stacking section serves both as supplying and receiving section, then device complexity is reduced, but sheet management becomes more complex requiring precise control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The single stacking section is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the supplying section (feeding sheets to the conveyance system) and the receiving section (collecting processed sheets). The control section intelligently manages the dual role by detecting sheet positions and controlling the conveyance section to appropriately direct sheets, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation through automated control
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
This solution allows for efficient management of sheet storage, preventing overloading in the supplying section and ensuring that sheets can be processed and stored appropriately, enhancing the usability and efficiency of the image processing apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
An erasing apparatus that erases an image formed with an erasable toner or ink by heating the image to a given temperature so that the image can be erased and the sheet reused
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes a supplying section from which a sheet placed thereon is supplied into the image processing apparatus, a processing section configured to execute an image processing on an image formed on a sheet, a first storing section configured to store a sheet, a second storing section configured to store a sheet, a first conveying section configured to convey a sheet placed on the supplying section to the first storing section through the processing section, and a second conveying section configured to convey a sheet passing through the processing section to the second storing section and convey a sheet stored in the second storing section to a position at which the sheet from the supplying section enters the processing section.