Decolorable Toner Fixing Temperature Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

When forming images using multiple decolorable toners, the fixing temperature of one toner can be higher than the decoloring temperature of another, leading to partial image decoloration as all toners are fixed on a sheet, as the existing technologies fail to set a suitable temperature that is higher than the highest fixing temperature and lower than all decoloring temperatures of the toners.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus that includes a fixing unit with a temperature controller, which sets the fixing temperature to be higher than or equal to the highest preset fixing temperature of the decolorable toners and lower than their preset decoloring temperatures, ensuring all decolorable toners are fixed without decoloration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the fixing temperature is set to be higher than or equal to the highest preset fixing temperature of multiple decolorable toners, then all toners can be fixed on the sheet, but some toners may be decolored because the temperature exceeds their preset decoloring temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation reliabilityVSAvoiddecoloration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the fixing temperature based on the specific toner types being used. The controller identifies the toner types (decolorable vs. non-decolorable) and sets the fixing temperature accordingly - using a first fixing temperature for decolorable toners and a second fixing temperature for non-decolorable toners. This prevents decoloration while ensuring proper fixation by matching the temperature to the toner's thermal properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics through adaptive temperature control that changes based on operational conditions. The fixing temperature is not fixed but dynamically adjusted according to which toners are being used. The controller monitors toner type information and modifies the fixing temperature in real-time, allowing the system to adapt between different temperature regimes (first fixing temperature for decolorable toners, second for non-decolorable toners) to prevent decoloration while maintaining fixation reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a single fixed fixing temperature is used for all toners, then the process is simple, but it cannot simultaneously satisfy the requirements of toners with different fixing and decoloring temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature control simplicityVSAvoidimage quality consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static single-temperature system into a dynamic multi-temperature system. The controller automatically identifies which toners are being used (decolorable or non-decolorable) and selects the appropriate fixing temperature accordingly. This dynamic adaptation maintains image quality consistency across different toner types while keeping the user interface simple, as the temperature selection is automated based on toner type detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the fixing temperature parameter based on the detected toner types. When decolorable toners are detected, the controller uses a first fixing temperature that is lower than the preset decoloring temperature to prevent decoloration. When non-decolorable toners are used, a second fixing temperature can be applied. This parameter adjustment ensures image quality consistency across different toner compositions without complicating user operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 allows for the successful fixation of all decolorable toners on a sheet without decoloration, maintaining image quality by setting the fixing temperature within a controlled range that is optimal for all toners involved.

Implementation Method 1

a fixing unit configured to heat and apply pressure to the sheet having the image formed thereon to fix the image on the sheet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS9176437B2Image forming apparatus and temperature controller for forming decolorable images
Publication Date: 2015.11.03 KK TOSHIBA
  • US9176437B2 patent drawing
  • US9176437B2 patent drawing
  • US9176437B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment includes an image forming unit configured to form an image on a sheet using a plurality of decolorable color toners, wherein the decolorable color toners each have a preset fixing temperature and a preset decoloring temperature higher than the corresponding preset fixing temperature. The image forming apparatus further comprises a fixing unit configured to heat and apply pressure to the sheet having the image formed thereon to fix the image on the sheet, and a fixing temperature controller configured to control a fixing temperature of the fixing unit to be higher than or equal to a highest temperature among each of the preset fixing temperatures and to be lower than each of the preset decoloring temperatures.