Image Forming Apparatus Fan Control via Multi-Sensor Thermal Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses control fans based solely on detection temperatures, neglecting other factors that influence fan operation, leading to inefficient cooling and increased noise during image formation processes.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates multiple temperature detecting elements and a controller that evaluates various factors to determine appropriate fan operation, including followability information and job types, to optimize fan control and reduce noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the fan is controlled based solely on detection temperature from a single temperature detecting element, then the control structure is simple, but the cooling efficiency is insufficient and noise increases during image formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the temperature monitoring function into multiple independent temperature detecting elements positioned at different locations (inside the housing and on the AC/DC board). Each element monitors local temperature conditions, allowing the controller to make comprehensive cooling decisions based on multiple temperature data points rather than a single measurement, thereby improving cooling efficiency without requiring complex external systems
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed to perform multiple functions: it processes temperature data from multiple detecting elements, determines fan operation decisions, and adjusts fan speed. This multi-functional controller consolidates what could be separate systems into a single device, improving cooling reliability while avoiding the complexity of multiple independent control systems
2Reliability
If the fan operates continuously to ensure adequate cooling, then cooling reliability is improved, but noise increases during image formation processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic fan control where the fan speed and operation state are continuously adjusted based on real-time temperature readings from multiple detecting elements. The controller dynamically determines fan operation by comparing temperatures against thresholds and considering image formation status, allowing the fan to operate at minimum necessary speed rather than continuously at high speed, thus maintaining cooling reliability while reducing noise
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses temperature feedback from multiple detecting elements to continuously adjust fan operation. The controller receives temperature data, evaluates whether cooling is adequate, and adjusts fan speed accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures the fan operates only when and at the level necessary to maintain proper temperatures, avoiding unnecessary noise during image formation while ensuring cooling reliability
3Measurement precision
If multiple temperature detecting elements are used to monitor different locations, then temperature monitoring accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places temperature detecting elements at specific critical locations where temperature monitoring is most needed: inside the housing to monitor overall internal temperature and on the AC/DC board to monitor power conversion component temperatures. Each detecting element is positioned to monitor local thermal conditions at critical points, providing accurate temperature data for targeted cooling control without requiring sensors throughout the entire 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
This approach ensures efficient cooling and reduced noise by considering multiple temperature-related factors, allowing for precise timing and speed control of the fan, thereby enhancing the image formation process.
Implementation Method 1
a first temperature detecting element configured to output a signal corresponding to a temperature in the housing
Implementation Method 2
a second temperature detecting element configured to output a signal corresponding to a temperature of an element mounted on the AC/DC board
Implementation Method 3
a fan configured to cool the interior of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus including: an image forming device provided in a housing; a fan to cool an interior of the housing; an AC/DC board; a first temperature detecting element configured to output a signal corresponding to a temperature in the housing; a second temperature detecting element configured to output a signal corresponding to a temperature of an element mounted on the AC/DC board; and a controller configured to control the fan when at least one of a first condition and a second condition is satisfied, the first condition being a condition in which a first detection temperature detected based on the signal received from the first temperature detecting element is not less than a first temperature threshold, the second condition being a condition in which a second detection temperature detected based on the signal received from the second temperature detecting element is not less than a second temperature threshold.