Image Forming Apparatus With Dynamic Fixing Gap for RFID Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses increase fixing device driving time and reduce its lifespan by ensuring sufficient distance between printing media to prevent tag information from being written to the wrong RFID tag, leading to inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus controls the distance between the fixing member and pressing member of the fixing device at different distances during different periods of the writing-and-forming process to prevent tag information from being written to the wrong wireless tag and minimize wear on the fixing device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the distance between printing media is increased to prevent tag information from being written to the wrong RFID tag, then writing accuracy is improved, but fixing device driving time increases and device lifespan decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device transitions from a static state (maintaining constant distance between fixing member and pressing member) to a dynamic state (changing distance based on writing process timing). The distance is adjusted dynamically: increased during writing to prevent wrong-tag writing, and decreased after writing to reduce fixing device driving time, thereby resolving the contradiction between writing accuracy and device lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameter of distance between the fixing member and pressing member is changed based on the writing process timing. During the writing process, the distance is set to a first (larger) value to prevent tag information from being written to the wrong tag. After the writing process completes, the distance is reduced to a second (smaller) value to minimize fixing device driving time. This parameter change resolves the technical contradiction.
2Manufacturing precision
If the distance between printing media is increased to prevent tag information from being written to the wrong RFID tag, then writing accuracy is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the fixing device distance based on the writing process timing. During writing, a larger distance ensures writing accuracy. After writing completes, the distance is reduced to minimize driving time and maximize productivity. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between writing accuracy and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing device operates in periodic cycles: during the writing process period, the distance is maintained at a larger value for accuracy; after the writing process period ends, the distance is reduced for efficient processing. This periodic adjustment of parameters based on process timing resolves the contradiction between writing accuracy and productivity.
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 prevents tag information from being written to the wrong wireless tag while reducing the degradation of the fixing device, thereby maintaining efficiency and extending its lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
a heating device configured to heat the printing medium passing between the fixing member and the pressing member
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a conveyance mechanism, a wireless tag communication device, an image forming mechanism, a fixing device including a heating device to heat a medium passing between fixing and pressing members, and a moving mechanism by which a distance between the fixing and pressing members can be changed, and a processor to control the conveyance mechanism to convey a medium, control the communication device to perform a writing process on a tag attached to the medium, and control the forming mechanism and the fixing device to perform a forming process on the medium. The processor controls the fixing device to set the distance at a first distance during a first period before a timing corresponding to completion of the writing process and at a second distance less than the first distance during a second period after the timing.