Image Forming Apparatus With Sheet-Type Sequencing for Duplex Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face issues with paper jams during duplex printing due to the inability to accurately detect sheet type before feeding, leading to mismatches in sheet types on the conveyance path.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a detection unit on the conveyance path to identify sheet type and a control unit that adjusts the order of image formation based on detected sheet types, ensuring same or compatible types are processed together to prevent jams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a media sensor is provided on the conveyance path to detect sheet type, then sheet type detection capability is improved, but sheet type cannot be detected before sheet feeding leading to jam occurrence in duplex image formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting the sheet type of the second sheet before it is fed to the image forming unit. The detection unit reads the sheet type of the second sheet in advance while it is still on the sheet storage unit, before the first sheet completes its duplex cycle. This allows the system to predict potential type mismatches and adjust the conveyance control accordingly, preventing jams before they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by using the detection unit to continuously monitor sheet types and feed this information back to the control unit. The control unit then adjusts the conveyance of sheets based on this feedback, ensuring that sheets of the same type are processed together in the duplex cycle. This closed-loop control prevents type mismatches that would cause jams.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sheets are conveyed through the conveyance path for duplex printing, then duplex image formation is enabled, but mismatch in sheet types on the conveyance path causes paper jams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection unit that acts as a mediator between the sheet storage unit and the image forming unit. This detection unit reads sheet types in advance and provides information to the control unit, which then coordinates the conveyance of sheets. The intermediary detection mechanism ensures that only sheets of matching types are processed together in the duplex cycle, preventing jams while maintaining duplex printing functionality.
3Measurement precision
If the detection unit detects sheet type on the conveyance path, then sheet type identification is improved, but the detection occurs after sheet feeding has already started
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the timing issue by implementing preliminary detection action. The detection unit is positioned and configured to read the sheet type of the second sheet in advance, while it is still resting on the sheet storage unit, before the first sheet is conveyed through the duplex path. This preliminary detection ensures that sheet type information is available early enough for the control unit to make appropriate conveyance decisions, avoiding both detection delays and potential jams.
Data Source
AI summary
In a case where a type of a feeding standby sheet on a storage unit and a type of a refeeding standby sheet on a reconveyance path are the same, an image forming unit forms an image on one side of a feeding standby sheet on the storage unit, and in a case where a type of a feeding standby sheet on the storage unit and a type of a refeeding standby sheet on the reconveyance path are not the same, the image forming unit forms an image on another side of a refeeding standby sheet on the reconveyance path.