Fixing Unit Temperature Control Using Medium Bend Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face issues with fixing errors due to inaccurate control of fixing temperature based on medium type detection methods that rely on reflectance or transmittance, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a bend detector upstream from the fixing member to detect medium bends, with a heating control member that adjusts the fixing temperature based on detected bends, and using guide members to facilitate medium alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fixing temperature is controlled based on medium type detection using reflectance or transmittance, then medium type can be identified, but fixing errors increase and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical detection methods (reflectance/transmittance) with a mechanical detection method. A bend detector mechanically senses the curvature of the medium as it passes through the fixing device, converting physical deformation into detection signals that trigger appropriate fixing temperature adjustments, thereby eliminating fixing errors associated with optical methods
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the detection parameter from optical properties (reflectance/transmittance) to mechanical property (bend/curvature). By detecting the physical bending of the medium during transport through the fixing device, the system directly identifies medium type characteristics that correlate with fixing requirements, enabling more accurate temperature control
2Measurement precision
If fixing temperature is controlled based on medium type detection using reflectance or transmittance, then medium type can be identified, but costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simple, low-cost bend detector mechanism that can be manufactured inexpensively compared to optical sensors. The mechanical detection system uses basic components like levers, springs, or capacitive sensors that detect medium bend, providing a cost-effective solution that maintains detection accuracy while reducing overall device cost
Solution Approach 2:
By substituting expensive optical detection systems with a simple mechanical bend detection system, the patent achieves medium type identification at lower cost. The mechanical approach uses straightforward physical principles that require less sophisticated (and therefore less expensive) components while maintaining functional effectiveness
3Reliability
If a bend detector is introduced to detect medium bends, then fixing temperature control accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential detection function needed for fixing temperature control - medium bend detection. By focusing solely on detecting the curvature of the medium during transport and linking this directly to temperature adjustment, the system achieves high reliability without incorporating unnecessary detection mechanisms, keeping the overall system relatively simple
4Manufacturing precision
If guide members are added to facilitate medium alignment, then medium positioning accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses guide members with curved surfaces that naturally guide the medium into proper alignment as it enters the fixing device. The curved geometry passively directs the medium path without requiring active control mechanisms, achieving improved positioning accuracy through simple geometric design rather than complex mechanical systems
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
Reduces fixing errors by accurately controlling the fixing temperature based on medium bends, thereby enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the image forming process while minimizing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a heater that generates heat in accordance with a predetermined fixing temperature to fix an unfixed image held on a medium
Implementation Method 2
a bend detector that is disposed upstream from the fixing member in a medium transport direction to detect a bend of a medium having a leading end arriving at the fixing member
Data Source
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AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a fixing member that includes a heater that generates heat in accordance with a predetermined fixing temperature to fix an unfixed image held on a medium, a bend detector that is disposed upstream from the fixing member in a medium transport direction to detect a bend of a medium having a leading end arriving at the fixing member, and a heating control member that controls the heater based on the bend of the medium detected by the bend detector.