Fixing Device Heating Area Control via Single Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixing devices in image forming apparatuses require multiple position detection sensors to achieve accurate positioning of the heating area changing member, which increases the size and cost of the apparatus.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device that uses a single position detection sensor to control the stop position of the heating area changing member, allowing it to detect positions both when moving from a preset reference position to an arbitrary position and when returning, thereby reducing the number of sensors needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple position detection sensors are used to detect the position of the heating area changing member, then the positional accuracy is improved, but the device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single position detection sensor is designed to detect the position of the heating area changing member in both movement directions (from reference position to arbitrary position, and from arbitrary position back to reference position). The sensor serves multiple functions: detecting forward movement position, detecting return movement position, and providing feedback for stop position control in both directions, eliminating the need for separate sensors for each direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The position detection sensor provides feedback signals to the control unit based on the detected position of the heating area changing member. The control unit uses this feedback to control the stop position of the heating area changing member accurately in both movement directions, enabling precise positioning without requiring multiple sensors.
2Manufacturing precision
If two position detection sensors are used to control movement stop positions in both directions, then the stop position accuracy is improved, but the device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single position detection sensor performs multiple functions: detecting position during forward movement, detecting position during return movement, and enabling accurate stop position control in both directions. This multi-functional design reduces the number of sensors required, thereby reducing device cost while maintaining manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the position detection functions for both movement directions into a single sensor system. Instead of using separate sensors for forward and return movements, the same sensor detects positions in both directions, and the control unit coordinates the stop positions based on this unified detection data, reducing overall device cost.
3Device complexity
If a single position detection sensor is used to detect position in both movement directions, then the device size and cost are reduced, but the positional accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The position detection sensor provides continuous feedback signals to the control unit during both forward and return movements. The control unit processes this feedback to accurately control the stop position of the heating area changing member in both directions, maintaining high positional accuracy despite using only a single sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the stop position control based on the movement direction. The control unit determines whether the heating area changing member is moving forward or returning, and accordingly controls the stop position using the single position detection sensor, ensuring accurate positioning adaptively in both directions.
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 improves positional accuracy while reducing the size and cost of the fixing device by utilizing a single position detection sensor for both movements, enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the image forming apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a position detection sensor that detects a position of the heating area changing member
Implementation Method 2
The single position detection sensor detects the position of the heating area changing member both when the heating area changing member is moving from a preset reference position to an arbitrary position and when the heating area changing member is moving back from an arbitrary position to the reference position
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes: a fixing member; an opposing member that provides a fixing nip with the fixing member; a heating unit that heats the fixing member; a heating area changing member that moves to change a heating area of the fixing member heated by the heating unit; and a position detection sensor that detects a position of the heating area changing member. The fixing device controls a stop position of the heating area changing member based on detection by the position detection sensor. The single position detection sensor detects the position of the heating area changing member both when the heating area changing member is moving from a preset reference position to an arbitrary position and when the heating area changing member is moving back from an arbitrary position to the reference position.