Image-Forming Apparatus Conditional Fuser Preparation

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses perform unnecessary preparation processing when performance conditions are not met, leading to inefficiencies and increased power consumption.

Innovation Solution

The controller in the image forming apparatus determines performance conditions before initiating preparation processing, ensuring it only proceeds when necessary conditions are satisfied, thereby preventing unnecessary operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If the image forming apparatus performs preparation processing in response to acquisition of a preceding command, then the first print time is shortened, but unnecessary preparation processing is performed when performance conditions are not met, leading to increased power consumption and wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirst print timeVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus performs preparation processing (rotating the fuser rotary body and heating the roller) in advance upon receiving a preceding command, but only when performance conditions are confirmed to be satisfied. This preliminary action shortens the first print time while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption by checking conditions before initiating preparation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The controller checks performance conditions (sheet availability, error states) before and during the preparation processing. If conditions are not met or errors occur, the controller stops the preparation processing. This feedback mechanism prevents unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining the ability to perform preparation when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of time

If the image forming apparatus performs preparation processing in response to acquisition of a preceding command, then the first print time is shortened, but unnecessary preparation processing is performed when performance conditions are not met, leading to increased abrasion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirst print timeVSAvoidabrasion

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus performs preparation processing (rotating the fuser rotary body and heating the roller) in advance upon receiving a preceding command, but only when performance conditions are confirmed to be satisfied. This preliminary action shortens the first print time while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption by checking conditions before initiating preparation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The controller checks performance conditions (sheet availability, error states) before and during the preparation processing. If conditions are not met or errors occur, the controller stops the preparation processing. This feedback mechanism prevents unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining the ability to perform preparation when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of time

If the image forming apparatus performs preparation processing in response to acquisition of a preceding command, then the first print time is shortened, but the preparation processing may be interrupted and need to be performed again, wasting time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirst print timeVSAvoidprinting processing reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus performs preparation processing (rotating the fuser rotary body and heating the roller) in advance upon receiving a preceding command, but only when performance conditions are confirmed to be satisfied. This preliminary action shortens the first print time while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption by checking conditions before initiating preparation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The controller checks performance conditions (sheet availability, error states) before and during the preparation processing. If conditions are not met or errors occur, the controller stops the preparation processing. This feedback mechanism prevents unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining the ability to perform preparation when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

This approach reduces unnecessary preparation processing, minimizing power consumption and abrasion, and optimizing print time by ensuring preparations are only conducted when ready to print.

Implementation Method 1

raising a temperature of a heating roller and of maintaining the temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS12461474B2Image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes a controller configured to perform an acquisition processing of acquiring a preceding command, a preparation processing, and a printing processing. In a case where the controller determines that a performance condition of the printing processing is satisfied, the controller is configured to perform the preparation processing in response to acquisition of the preceding command, and the printing processing in accordance with a print instruction. In a case where the controller determines that the performance condition is not satisfied, the controller is configured not to perform the preparation processing in response to the acquisition of the preceding command. In a case where the controller determines that the performance condition is satisfied after the controller determines that the performance condition is not satisfied, the controller is configured to perform the preparation processing and the printing processing in accordance with the print instruction.