Fixing and Decolorizing Section with Independent Heating Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatuses face poor operability due to the high heat accumulation properties of the fixing device, which leads to prolonged cooling times after erasing operations, resulting in excessive toner melting and inefficient use when attempting to perform copying or other tasks.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a fixing and decolorizing section that includes a heat generating system capable of adjusting temperatures for both fixing and decolorizing processes, utilizing a count section to switch to a higher temperature for decolorizing after a predetermined idle time, allowing for efficient energy management and reduced wait times for user operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the fixing device temperature is raised for decolorizing operation, then the decolorizing function is achieved, but the device takes prolonged time to cool down and cannot be used for fixing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single fixing device into two independent heating elements: a first heating unit for fixing operations and a second heating unit for decolorizing operations. This segmentation allows each unit to be controlled independently, so the decolorizing unit can be heated to high temperature while the fixing unit maintains its operating temperature, eliminating the cooling wait time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic temperature control by providing separate heating units that can be independently activated based on the operation mode. The control unit dynamically switches between using the first heating unit for fixing and the second heating unit for decolorizing, allowing rapid temperature adjustment without prolonged cooling periods.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the fixing device temperature is raised for decolorizing, then erasing operation is enabled, but excessive melting of toner occurs during subsequent fixing
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the heating function into separate first and second heating units, the patent ensures that the fixing unit temperature remains controlled and does not excessively rise during decolorizing operations. This prevents the harmful effect of excessive toner melting while still enabling erasing functionality through the dedicated decolorizing unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit monitors the temperature and operation mode, providing feedback control to activate the appropriate heating unit. This prevents unintended temperature rise in the fixing unit that would cause excessive toner melting, while ensuring the decolorizing unit reaches the necessary temperature for erasing operations.
3Device complexity
If the fixing device is used as both fixing and erasing device, then space is saved, but operability deteriorates due to temperature management issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains the space-saving single device structure but segments the heating function into multiple independent heating units. This allows the device to perform both fixing and decolorizing operations without the operability issues that would arise from a single temperature-controlled unit, as each function has its dedicated heating element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling the single fixing device to perform both fixing and decolorizing operations through the use of multiple heating units controlled by a control unit. This universal design improves operability while maintaining the space-saving single-device structure.
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 solution enhances the operability of the image forming apparatus by automatically initiating decolorizing processes when idle, reducing temperature rise during frequent printing, and implementing energy-saving modes to lower heating power, thus improving user convenience and device efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a heat generating section configured to heat the fixing and decolorizing section to first temperature during the fixing and to heat the fixing and decolorizing section to second temperature higher than the first temperature during the decolorizing
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a count section configured to count time during which no image forming is performed and a control section configured to allow heating of a heat generating section at temperature for decolorizing after the time counted by the count section reaches the a predetermined threshold time.