Fixing Unit Heater Power Calculation for Shorter FPOT
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face limitations in shortening the First Print Out Time (FPOT) due to the timing of sheet feeding being determined based on temperature change information of the fixing device, which restricts the ability to quickly reach a fixable temperature.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus that includes a necessary integral power calculation unit, a suppliable integral power calculation unit, a power source condition detection unit, and a controller to determine the optimal timing for sheet feeding by calculating the necessary and suppliable integral power based on the heater's resistance value and power source conditions, allowing for earlier sheet feeding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the timing of sheet feeding is determined based on temperature change information of the fixing device, then the fixing device can reach a fixable temperature, but the First Print Out Time (FPOT) cannot be sufficiently shortened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by calculating the necessary integral power required for the fixing device to reach fixable temperature in advance, and comparing it with the suppliable integral power available from the power source. This allows the system to determine the optimal sheet feeding timing before the fixing process actually begins, enabling earlier and more accurate timing determination compared to waiting for temperature change information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional temperature-based timing determination system with a power-based calculation system. Instead of monitoring temperature changes and waiting for the fixing device to reach the required temperature, the system calculates power requirements and availability, substituting thermal measurement with electrical power analysis to achieve earlier timing determination.
2Speed
If more power is supplied to the fixing device to shorten the rising time, then the FPOT can be reduced, but the power source conditions may not support continuous high power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the power supply to the fixing device variable rather than constant. The system dynamically adjusts the power supply based on real-time power source conditions and calculated requirements, allowing high power supply when conditions are favorable (shortening rising time) and reducing power when conditions are limiting, thus optimizing both heating speed and energy management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power supply parameters based on detected power source conditions. By monitoring voltage, current, and other power source parameters, the system adjusts the power delivery to the fixing device accordingly, enabling flexible control of the heating process to achieve fast warm-up when possible while adapting to power source limitations.
3Reliability
If the sheet feeding is delayed to ensure the fixing device reaches temperature, then the fixing quality is maintained, but the FPOT increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring power source conditions and recalculating the necessary and suppliable integral power in real-time. This feedback mechanism allows the system to determine the actual optimal timing for sheet feeding based on current power availability, ensuring that sheets are fed at the earliest possible moment while still guaranteeing that the fixing device will reach the required temperature for quality fixing.
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 enables earlier determination of sheet feeding timing, thereby shortening the FPOT and allowing for faster image formation, especially when power source conditions are favorable, such as high voltage or low heater resistance.
Implementation Method 1
a fixing unit configured to heat and fix the unfixed toner image formed onto the recording material, the fixing unit including a heater
Data Source
AI summary
The image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit, a fixing unit including a heater, a necessary integral power calculation unit configured to calculate a necessary integral power required for the fixing unit to reach a predetermined fixable temperature, a suppliable integral power calculation unit configured to calculate a suppliable integral power capable of being supplied to the heater in a time elapsing until the recording material reaches the fixing unit, a power source condition detection unit configured to detect a power source condition of a power source for supplying power to the heater, and a controller configured to control a timing to start conveyance of the recording material according to the necessary integral power and the suppliable integral power, wherein the suppliable integral power calculation unit calculates the suppliable integral power according to a resistance value of the heater and the power source condition.