Fixing Apparatus Medium Type Identification and Banning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing apparatuses cause deformation in recording media due to inadequate identification and adaptation of paper types, leading to issues like curling and creasing during the fixing process.
Innovation Solution
A fixing apparatus with a developer image forming section, a fixing section, an identification section, and a banning section that identifies the type of recording medium and bans image forming if the wrong type is detected, using different resistance values for standard, cardboard, and envelope types to adjust the fixing process accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixing apparatus uses a universal fixing section for all recording medium types, then device complexity is reduced, but recording medium deformation increases due to inadequate adaptation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification of the recording medium type before the fixing process begins. The identification section detects the medium type in advance, allowing the control section to pre-configure the fixing section's pressing force and temperature parameters accordingly, preventing deformation before it occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing section's operating parameters (pressing force and temperature) are made dynamic rather than fixed. The control section adjusts these parameters in real-time based on the identified recording medium type, enabling the system to adapt to different materials without physical reconfiguration
2Manufacturing precision
If the fixing apparatus does not identify recording medium type, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision of the fixed image deteriorates due to curling and creasing
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a feedback mechanism where the identification section continuously monitors the recording medium type and provides information to the control section. This feedback loop enables real-time adjustment of fixing parameters to maintain image precision and prevent defects like curling and creasing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with an automated control system that uses electrical signals and programmed parameters. The control section electronically adjusts fixing conditions based on medium type identification, substituting mechanical complexity with electronic control for better precision
3Reliability
If the fixing section applies high pressing force for all medium types, then fixing reliability improves, but recording medium deformation worsens due to curling and creasing
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different pressing forces to different recording medium types rather than using a uniform high force for all materials. The control section adjusts the pressing force parameter locally for each medium type, ensuring sufficient fixing reliability while preventing shape deformation specific to each material's characteristics
Data Source
AI summary
An fixing apparatus of the present invention includes: a developer image forming section that is provided to an apparatus main body and forms a developer image on a recording medium; a fixing section that is provided to the apparatus main body and fixes the developer image that has been formed on the recording medium by the developer image forming section; an identification section that is provided to the fixing section and allows a type of recording medium for being fixed by the fixing section to be identified; and a banning section that is provided to the apparatus main body, identifies the type of recording medium for being fixed by the fixing section using the identification section and bans image forming on a recording medium that has a different type from the type of recording medium for being fixed by the fixing section.