Fixing Rotator Temperature Control in Standby Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face issues with the fixing rotator maintaining a sufficient temperature during standby mode due to inadequate heating conditions, often caused by low voltage or power input, leading to inefficient operation and unnecessary maintenance calls.
Innovation Solution
The control method detects the temperature and input states of the fixing rotator in standby mode, determining if it is in a low temperature or low input state, and either notifies the user to perform a recovery operation or initiates an automatic recovery, ensuring the rotator reaches the required temperature by adjusting power supply based on detected voltage, current, or power levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the fixing rotator is heated continuously to maintain temperature during standby mode, then the temperature stability is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element operates periodically rather than continuously during standby mode. The control method involves detecting temperature at intervals and activating heating only when the temperature falls below a threshold, creating a periodic on-off cycle that maintains temperature while reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses temperature detection feedback to control the heating element. A temperature sensor monitors the fixing rotator temperature and provides feedback to the controller, which then decides whether to activate heating based on the detected temperature, creating a closed-loop control system.
2Speed
If the heating power is increased to reach target temperature faster, then the heating speed is improved, but the risk of overheating increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating control is dynamic rather than static. The system adjusts the heating power level based on the current temperature and the gap to the target temperature. When the temperature is far from target, higher power is applied; when close to target or exceeding it, power is reduced or stopped, creating a dynamic adaptation to conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the heating parameter (power level) based on temperature conditions. Different power levels are applied at different stages of heating, and the target temperature itself may be adjusted based on operational mode (standby vs. operation), allowing flexible adaptation to different requirements.
3Measurement precision
If the temperature detection frequency is increased to improve temperature control precision, then the temperature control accuracy is improved, but the processing load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial detection frequency - full frequency detection during active heating when precise control is needed, and reduced frequency during standby or stable temperature periods when lower precision is acceptable. This partial application of high-frequency detection reduces overall processing load while maintaining control accuracy when necessary.
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 addresses the low temperature state of the fixing rotator, reducing unnecessary maintenance visits and ensuring the apparatus is ready for operation by accurately identifying and addressing the cause of the temperature issue, whether due to voltage or power supply problems.
Implementation Method 1
the fixing rotator and the pressure rotator apply heat and pressure to the recording medium, melting and fixing the toner image on the recording medium
Implementation Method 2
a fixing rotator, such as a fixing roller, a fixing belt, and a fixing film, heated by a heater
Data Source
AI summary
A control method of an image forming apparatus including a fixing rotator includes transiting the image forming apparatus to a standby mode; detecting a temperature of the fixing rotator when the image forming apparatus is in the standby mode; determining that the fixing rotator is in a low temperature state that does not satisfy a predetermined heating condition based on the detected temperature of the fixing rotator; detecting at least one of an electric voltage, an electric current, and an electric power input to the image forming apparatus when the image forming apparatus is in the standby mode; determining that the image forming apparatus is in a low input state that does not satisfy a predetermined input condition based on the detected one of the electric voltage, the electric current, and the electric power; and issuing a notification that urges a recovery operation of the image forming apparatus.