Sheet Storage Discharge Grouping for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of image forming apparatuses face cumbersome work and long times when retrieving sheets from multiple sheet storage portions, as they need to instruct the discharge of sheets multiple times, especially when multiple sheets are required.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus is designed to allow users to retrieve sheets from multiple sheet storage portions without cumbersome work or long times by grouping sheets and using a control unit to manage sheet storage and discharge, enabling simultaneous exposure of multiple sheets from a single opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sheets are sorted to multiple sheet storage portions for different users, then sheet retrieval accuracy is improved, but the number of discharge instructions required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sheet storage portions into a single discharge group that can be discharged simultaneously. When a user selects a discharge group containing multiple sheet storage portions, the system discharges sheets from all selected portions in one operation, merging multiple discharge actions into a single unified operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge group function provides multi-functionality by allowing a single discharge instruction to handle sheets from multiple different sheet storage portions. The system universally manages different storage portions through a common discharge interface, enabling one instruction to serve multiple storage locations.
2Measurement precision
If sheets are sorted to multiple sheet storage portions, then sheet organization is improved, but retrieval time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the discharge operations of multiple sheet storage portions into a single simultaneous discharge action. By combining the discharge mechanisms of selected storage portions into one coordinated operation, the system retrieves sheets from multiple locations at the same time rather than sequentially.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary grouping of sheet storage portions into discharge groups before the actual discharge operation. This pre-organization allows the controller to prepare and execute simultaneous discharge from multiple portions when a single instruction is given, reducing the time required during the actual retrieval process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sheet storage portions are used, then sheet sorting capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge group mechanism provides a universal interface that simplifies the complexity of managing multiple sheet storage portions. Instead of requiring separate control mechanisms for each portion, the system uses a unified discharge group selection that can include any combination of storage portions, reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy or representation of the sheet storage portions in the form of discharge groups. The controller maintains a logical mapping between physical storage portions and discharge group selections, allowing complex physical arrangements to be managed through simplified logical groupings that mirror the physical structure without adding physical complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
An image forming apparatus of the invention includes an image forming unit configured to form an image on a sheet; a plurality of storage portions each configured to store the sheet with the image formed thereon by the image forming unit; an opening configured to expose the sheet stored in the storage portion to the outside; and a sheet moving unit configured to move the sheet until a leading edge of the sheet stored in the storage portion passes the opening and a portion of the sheet is exposed from the opening to the outside. The sheet moving unit exposes sheets stored in a plurality of the storage portions in a stacked manner from the opening.