Fixing Device Warm-Up Time Reduction via Auxiliary Power Supply
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses require extended warm-up times for the fixing device due to limitations in power supply management, leading to increased costs and inefficiencies, especially when using auxiliary power supplies and commercial power exchanges.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a main power supply unit converting commercial power into a predetermined voltage, a first auxiliary power supply charged by the commercial power, and an option apparatus with a second auxiliary power supply that heats the auxiliary heater, allowing for simultaneous heating with the first auxiliary power supply, thereby reducing warm-up time without increasing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If an auxiliary power supply is used to heat the auxiliary heater simultaneously with the main heater, then the warm-up time is reduced, but the power consumption exceeds the maximum power that can be supplied from one wall outlet
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary power supply is charged with commercial power in advance before the warm-up process begins. This preliminary charging action stores energy that can be discharged during the warm-up phase, allowing the auxiliary heater to operate simultaneously with the main heater without exceeding the maximum power supply capacity from the wall outlet.
2Reliability
If the auxiliary power supply voltage falls and charging is performed simultaneously with main heater operation, then the auxiliary heater cannot be used, but the warm-up time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary charging of the auxiliary power supply before the warm-up process starts. This ensures that sufficient energy is stored in advance, allowing the auxiliary heater to be operated reliably during warm-up without needing to charge simultaneously, thus maintaining both reliability and reducing warm-up time.
3Loss of time
If an inter-machine power cooperative system is used to exchange auxiliary power supply electricity, then the warm-up time is reduced for receiving apparatus, but the warm-up time increases for supplying apparatus and the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each image forming apparatus is equipped with its own auxiliary power supply that can be charged from its own commercial power supply. This self-service approach eliminates the need for inter-machine power exchange systems, reducing system complexity while still enabling simultaneous operation of main and auxiliary heaters to reduce warm-up time.
4Loss of time
If a dedicated power cable is used to exchange commercial power supplies between apparatuses, then the warm-up time is reduced for receiving apparatus, but the auxiliary power supply size and cost must increase for supplying apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
Each apparatus independently charges its own auxiliary power supply from its own commercial power supply without needing to borrow power from another apparatus. This eliminates the need for dedicated power cables and inter-machine power exchange infrastructure, reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining the ability to reduce warm-up time through simultaneous heater operation.
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
The solution effectively reduces the warm-up time of the fixing device while maintaining a balance between cost and performance by distributing power consumption efficiently across the main and auxiliary power supplies, even when option apparatuses are mounted, thus improving the overall efficiency and reducing the size and cost of the auxiliary power supply.
Implementation Method 1
a main heater that is heated on the basis of the electric power supplied from the commercial power supply
Implementation Method 2
an auxiliary heater that is heated on the basis of the electric power supplied from the first auxiliary power supply
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus according to the invention includes an image forming apparatus main body and at least one option apparatus that is mounted on the main body when functions are extended. The main body includes a main power supply unit that converts a commercial power supply into a predetermined voltage, a first load that is driven by the main power supply unit, a first auxiliary power supply that is charged by the commercial power supply, and a fixing device including a main heater heated by the power of the commercial power supply and an auxiliary heater heated by the power of the first auxiliary power supply. The at least one option apparatus includes a second load driven by the power of the main power supply unit and a second auxiliary power supply that is charged by the commercial power supply when the at least one option apparatus is mounted, while heating the auxiliary heater in conjunction with the first auxiliary power supply.