Fixation Control for Non-Rectangular Sheets in Image Forming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in setting optimal fixation conditions for non-rectangularly shaped recording media, leading to instability in fixation temperature and pressure, resulting in non-uniform toner images in terms of glossiness.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus equipped with a reading portion to detect the shape of the recording medium, an image forming portion to create toner images, and a controller to adjust fixation conditions based on the detected shape, ensuring proper transfer and fixation of toner images on irregularly shaped media.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional image formation conditions are applied to non-rectangular sheets, then the apparatus can process various sheet shapes, but the fixation temperature and pressure become unstable resulting in non-uniform toner images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of fixation conditions based on detected sheet shape. The control portion modifies fixation temperature and pressure in real-time according to the detected non-rectangular shape characteristics, enabling the system to adapt dynamically to different sheet geometries while maintaining uniform toner image quality across the entire sheet surface.
2Manufacturing precision
If fixation conditions are adjusted for non-rectangular sheets, then uniform toner images can be obtained, but the device complexity increases due to additional detection and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal control portion that integrates both shape detection processing and fixation condition control functions. This multi-functional approach allows the same control system to handle various sheet shapes and adjust fixation parameters accordingly, reducing the need for separate dedicated systems for each function and thereby minimizing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adjusts fixation parameters (temperature and pressure) based on detected sheet shape parameters. By changing these physical parameters dynamically according to the sheet geometry, the system achieves uniform toner images without requiring complex mechanical modifications, thus maintaining relative simplicity in the device structure.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a reading configured to read a shape of a sheet to be used for image formation, and an original sheet carrying an original image, and an image forming portion configured to form a toner image, corresponding to the original image read by the reading portion, on the sheet to be used for image formation. A fixing portion is configured to fix the toner image, formed by the image forming portion, to the sheet to be used for image formation. In addition, a controller is configured to control a fixing condition of the fixing portion in accordance with the shape of the sheet to be used for image formation read by the reading portion.