Stapleless Binding for Test Printing in Dual-Unit Apparatus

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image processing apparatuses waste staples during test printing as they bind each print product with staples, and users face the inconvenience of removing staples when discarding these products.

Innovation Solution

A printing control apparatus that includes both a first binding unit for staple binding and a second binding unit for stapleless binding, allowing users to select between the two methods for test printing, thereby reducing staple consumption and eliminating the need for staple removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If staple binding is used for test printing, then the print product can be bound securely, but staples are wastefully consumed and require removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebinding securityVSAvoidstaple consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the binding method parameter from staple binding to stapleless binding specifically for test printing operations. This parameter change eliminates staple consumption while maintaining binding functionality for the test print product, resolving the contradiction between binding security and staple waste.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If staple binding is used for test printing, then the print product is bound securely, but the user needs to remove the staple causing trouble

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebinding securityVSAvoidconvenience of disposal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the binding method parameter from staple binding to stapleless binding for test printing. This eliminates the need for staple removal, thereby improving ease of operation and convenience when disposing of test print products while maintaining binding security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of substance

If stapleless binding is used for test printing, then staple consumption is reduced and removal is unnecessary, but the binding strength may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestaple consumptionVSAvoidbinding strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the binding function into two distinct binding units: a first binding unit for staple binding and a second binding unit for stapleless binding. This segmentation allows the system to select the appropriate binding method based on the printing mode, using stapleless binding for test printing to reduce staple consumption while using staple binding for normal printing when stronger binding is required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9714151B2Printing control apparatus, method for controlling printing control apparatus, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2017.07.25 CANON KK

AI summary

A printing control apparatus that can perform a binding processing without staples and a binding processing with staples includes a printing unit to print image data on a sheet, and a control unit that controls, in a case where image data is printed on sheets for test printing, a second binding unit to perform a binding processing for binding a plurality of printed sheets without staples, and controls, in a case where image data is printed on sheets after test printing, a first binding unit to perform a binding processing for binding a plurality of printed sheets with a staple.