Fixing Member Temperature Control via Scanning Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fixing devices in image forming systems face challenges in accurately measuring temperature distributions along the fixing member without increasing component costs, as adding more temperature sensors is costly, and using a single movable sensor requires expensive position control motors and large installation spaces.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a temperature measurement sensor that scans non-heated and heated regions along the width of the fixing member, using a movement mechanism to calculate arrival times and positions, allowing for temperature control based on measured temperature changes without the need for multiple sensors or position measurement sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple temperature measurement sensors are fixed to predetermined positions, then temperature measurement coverage is improved, but component cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the temperature measurement sensor with the movement mechanism into an integrated assembly. The sensor is fixed to the movement mechanism rather than being a separate stationary component, allowing one sensor to perform the function of multiple sensors by moving to different measurement positions during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static temperature measurement (fixed sensors at predetermined positions) to dynamic temperature measurement (a single sensor that moves to different positions). The movement mechanism enables the sensor to dynamically access multiple measurement locations along the fixing member, providing comprehensive temperature coverage without requiring multiple sensors simultaneously.
2Measurement precision
If a single temperature measurement sensor is moved in the longitudinal direction, then measurement coverage is improved, but position control cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature measurement sensor utilizes the existing movement mechanism's motion for its own positioning purposes. The sensor is passively carried by the movement mechanism rather than requiring an independent position control system. The movement mechanism serves dual purposes: moving the pressing member and simultaneously positioning the temperature sensor, eliminating the need for separate position control motors and sensors.
3Device complexity
If a position measurement sensor is combined with a cheap motor, then position control cost is reduced, but installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the position measurement function from the movement mechanism entirely. Instead of adding position measurement sensors to track the sensor's position, the system uses the temperature sensor's own temperature readings to infer position information. The arrival times at end parts are determined by temperature changes, eliminating the need for separate position measurement components and their associated installation space.
4Manufacturing precision
If temperature control is performed based on temperature distribution, then fixing quality is improved, but measurement and control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary temperature measurements at multiple positions along the fixing member before the actual fixing operation. The movement mechanism pre-scans the temperature distribution, and based on these measurements, the control system determines appropriate heating adjustments to make before toner fixation, ensuring optimal fixing quality without complex real-time control during the fixing process itself.
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 enables accurate temperature control across the fixing member's width with a single sensor, reducing component costs and preventing excessive temperature control intervals, even when changing fixing linear velocities.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature measurement sensor that measures a temperature of a surface of the fixing member
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a fixing member, a temperature measurement sensor, a movement mechanism, a movement time calculation section, a movement position calculation section, and a temperature control section. The movement mechanism moves the temperature measurement sensor to scan non-heated regions and a heated region along a width direction of the fixing member. The movement time calculation section obtains an arrival time on the basis of a temperature change measured by the temperature measurement sensor due to movement of the temperature measurement sensor. The movement position calculation section calculates the movement position on the basis of a ratio of a second movement time to a first movement time. The temperature control section performs temperature control on the fixing member on the basis of the movement position calculated by the movement position calculation section, and the temperature measured by the temperature measurement sensor.