Braking Force Detection in Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses fail to promptly detect a breakdown in the braking force generation portion, leading to undetected gloss memory issues that can cause image quality deterioration, and previous solutions do not account for such failures.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus equipped with a torque detection portion and a control portion that compares torque values with and without braking force generation to determine if the braking force generation portion is functioning correctly, allowing for early detection of potential failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a braking force generation portion is used to prevent gloss memory, then image quality is improved, but the system cannot detect when the braking portion breaks down
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by measuring the actual braking force generated by the braking force generation portion and comparing it with a reference value. When the measured braking force falls outside a predetermined range relative to the reference value, the system detects a breakdown in the braking portion, enabling continuous monitoring and early warning of failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a braking force measurement portion as an intermediary device that indirectly monitors the braking force generation portion's functionality. This mediator measures the actual braking force and provides feedback to the control portion, enabling detection without directly monitoring the braking mechanism's internal state.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If braking force is applied to prevent wax adhesion, then gloss memory is eliminated, but the system lacks early warning of braking portion failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection of braking portion breakdown by continuously measuring braking force and comparing it with reference values before actual gloss memory occurs. The control portion can identify abnormalities in the braking force generation portion in advance, allowing preventive maintenance before image quality deterioration happens.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where the braking force measurement portion continuously monitors the braking force, and the control portion compares measured values with reference values to detect abnormalities early, providing timely warning of potential failures.
3Reliability
If a torque detection portion is added to monitor braking force, then breakdown detection is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The braking force measurement portion is designed to serve multiple functions: it measures braking force for breakdown detection, provides feedback for control optimization, and enables reference value establishment for future comparisons. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a braking force measurement portion as an intermediary that provides centralized monitoring capability. This single mediator component can detect abnormalities in the braking force generation portion without requiring multiple separate sensors or complex monitoring systems distributed throughout the apparatus.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables early detection of braking force generation portion failures, preventing image quality issues and reducing the risk of paper passing defects, thus ensuring better image quality and reducing maintenance costs by allowing for timely repairs.
Implementation Method 1
a torque detection portion that detects a torque of the driving portion
Implementation Method 2
a braking force generation portion that generates a braking force to a direction of obstructing rotation of the first or second fixing member
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus performs a serviceman call detection mode during its idling time. In this time, a control portion controls upper and lower pressuring rollers to be clamped, controls a driving motor, and controls a change-over mechanism to switch a braking motor off. A torque detection portion detects a torque value Y of the driving motor at this time. The control portion then controls the upper and lower pressuring rollers to be clamped, controls the driving motor, and controls the change-over mechanism to switch the braking motor on. The torque detection portion detects a torque value Z of the driving motor at this time. The control portion subtracts the torque value Y from the torque value Z to calculate a difference value. The control portion determines that the braking motor is broken down when the difference value does not exceed the threshold value.