Fixing Device Phase Control for Harmonic Noise Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices with low heat capacity suffer from large temperature ripples during thermal control, leading to image quality issues and excessive harmonic wave noise, especially when using phase control methods.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device incorporating a processor to set the phase of current using a combination of multiple phase control periods with different numbers of cycles from an alternating-current power supply, reducing harmonic wave noise by alternating between two-cycle and four-cycle phase control periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If phase control is used to control power supplied to the heater, then temperature control precision is improved, but harmonic wave noise increases exceeding the defined reference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using multiple phase control periods with different cycle numbers (e.g., alternating between 2-cycle and 4-cycle periods) to control the heater. This periodic variation in control cycles distributes the harmonic wave noise over time, preventing concentrated noise peaks while maintaining effective temperature control through phase adjustment.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If multiple phase control periods with different cycle numbers are used, then harmonic wave noise is suppressed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts the number of cycles in phase control periods based on operational requirements. By making the control cycle number variable rather than fixed, the system achieves harmonic wave suppression while maintaining adaptability to different operating conditions, effectively managing complexity through intelligent dynamic control.
3Speed
If a fixing device with low heat capacity is used, then thermal responsiveness is improved, but temperature ripples increase affecting image quality
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing periodic phase control with varying cycle numbers, the system regulates power delivery to the low heat capacity heater in a controlled manner. This periodic control prevents excessive temperature ripples that would otherwise occur with simple on/off control, thereby maintaining both thermal responsiveness and image quality.
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 effectively suppresses harmonic wave noise and maintains stable temperature control, ensuring image quality by minimizing temperature ripples and adhering to harmonic wave standards.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element (71) used to heat the fixing member (78)
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a fixing member, a heating element, a power supply circuit, and a processor. The fixing member is used in fixing on recording material. The heating element is used to heat the fixing member. The power supply circuit causes current in phase control to flow to the heating element. The processor is configured to set the phase of the current by using a combination of multiple phase control periods having different numbers of cycles supplied from an alternating-current power supply. The current flows to the heating element.