Upstream Print-Media Overlap for Low-Speed Jam Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing apparatuses that automatically reverse print media for double-sided printing face issues with increased noise and power consumption when separating overlapping print media due to high-speed transport required to cancel the overlap state.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus that adjusts the overlap amount of print media based on print data, using a control unit to manage the transport speed and overlap of print media, reducing the need for high-speed separation and minimizing noise and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the transport speed of the preceding print medium is increased to separate it from the following print medium, then the overlap state is canceled and paper jams are prevented, but noise and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates an overlap state in advance where the leading end part of the following print medium overlaps the following end part of the preceding print medium upstream of the first roller. This preliminary overlapping arrangement allows the print media to be separated at lower speeds after printing, preventing paper jams without requiring high-speed transport that would generate noise
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit adjusts the overlap amount parameter based on print data for both the preceding and following print media. By dynamically changing the overlap amount parameter, the system optimizes the separation process to occur at lower transport speeds, thereby reducing noise and power consumption while maintaining reliable operation
2Reliability
If the transport speed of the preceding print medium is increased to separate it from the following print medium, then the overlap state is canceled and paper jams are prevented, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The overlap state is created in advance upstream of the first roller, allowing the print media to be positioned for separation before high-speed transport is needed. This preliminary arrangement enables energy-efficient separation at lower speeds while maintaining paper jam prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit dynamically adjusts the overlap amount parameter based on print data, optimizing the separation process to require less energy. By controlling the overlap amount, the system achieves reliable paper jam prevention without the high power consumption associated with high-speed transport
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the overlap amount is adjusted based on print data, then noise and power consumption are suppressed, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit uses feedback from print data to automatically adjust the overlap amount parameter. This feedback mechanism allows the system to optimize noise suppression without manual intervention, managing the control complexity through automated parameter adjustment based on actual printing conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus comprises a supply unit configured to supply a print medium, a roller configured to transport the print medium, a printing unit configured to print on the print medium, and a control unit capable of controlling the supply unit and the roller to create a state of overlap in which a leading end part of a following print medium overlaps a following end part of a preceding print medium on an upstream side of the first roller with respect to the transport direction of the print medium. The control unit adjusts an overlap amount in the state of overlap on the upstream side of the first roller in the transport direction of the print medium based on print data for the preceding print medium and print data for the following print medium.