Automated Sheet Transport Path Adjustment for Printers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for adjusting sheet transport paths in imaging devices, such as printers, are cumbersome and time-consuming, especially during duplex printing, and require manual adjustments that become invalid with changes in print speed or sheet size.

Innovation Solution

An automated system that uses a sensor system to capture images of sheets on the transport path, computes lateral errors, and adjusts the transport path using a control module and adjustment mechanisms to ensure accurate alignment, reducing the need for manual intervention and accommodating changes in print settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual adjustment procedures are used for sheet transport path alignment, then the system can be simple in structure, but the adjustment process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesheet alignment adjustmentVSAvoidsetup time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-adjustment by automatically detecting sheet position using sensors and actuating transport path components without requiring manual intervention. The control module autonomously computes adjustments and translates transport path portions to achieve proper alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment operations with an automated control system that uses sensors to detect sheet position and electronically controlled actuators to adjust the transport path, eliminating the need for manual mechanical manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If manual adjustment procedures are used for sheet transport path alignment, then the device complexity remains low, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to iterative manual adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransport path adjustmentVSAvoidadjustment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control module serves multiple functions: it receives sensor data, computes lateral errors, determines required adjustments, and actuates transport path components. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a single integrated unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors sheet position using sensors and uses this feedback to compute and execute adjustments. The closed-loop control ensures that the transport path is automatically corrected to achieve proper alignment without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If initial adjustments are made during setup, then the system can operate with simple mechanisms, but the adjustments become invalid when print speed or sheet size changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment to print settingsVSAvoidtransport path adjustment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static initial adjustments to dynamic real-time adjustments. The control module continuously adapts the transport path position based on current sheet position feedback, allowing the system to respond to changes in print speed, sheet size, or other operating parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically adjusts transport path parameters (position, orientation) based on detected sheet characteristics and print settings. When parameters such as sheet size or print speed change, the control module computes new adjustment values to maintain proper alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Measurement precision

If automated sensor systems are implemented for sheet detection, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesheet lateral position detectionVSAvoidsensor and control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system creates an optical copy or digital representation of the sheet position, which the control module then processes to determine alignment errors. This allows precise measurement without direct physical contact with the sheet.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual visual inspection and mechanical measurement tools with electronic sensors and digital processing. The sensor system automatically detects sheet position and the control module computationally determines alignment errors, eliminating manual measurement operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11608237B2System and method for automated sheet adjustment

Publication Date: 2023.03.21 XEROX CORP

AI summary

A sheet processing system for automated sheet adjustment includes a sensor system which captures at least a first image of a sheet of print media as the sheet is conveyed on a main transport path between a print media supply module and a marking device of an image rendering module. A control module computes a lateral error for the sheet, based on the captured at least first image, and computes an adjustment based on the computed lateral error. A sheet transport path adjustment mechanism translates a first portion of the main transport path relative to a second portion of the main transport path, based on the computed adjustment.