Fuser Driver Phase Control for Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses experience noise issues due to rapid current changes in harmonic inductors while attempting to satisfy flicker standards, necessitating a method to reduce noise while maintaining compliance with these standards.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus employs a fuser driver that performs phase control on the power provided to the heating element using AC power, avoiding specific phase angles and switching between series and parallel connections of heating elements based on operational states, and implements waveform number control at higher temperatures to minimize noise and flicker.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If phase control is used to satisfy flicker standards, then flicker compliance is improved, but noise is generated due to rapid current changes in harmonic inductors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by controlling the phase angle of AC power in a periodic manner. The fuser driver selectively provides AC power at specific phase angles (avoiding 75-105 degrees and 255-285 degrees) in a repeating cycle, thereby achieving flicker compliance while reducing noise through controlled periodic power delivery rather than continuous or uncontrolled phase control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of phase angle selection for AC power delivery. By identifying and avoiding specific problematic phase angle ranges (75-105 degrees and 255-285 degrees) that cause rapid current changes in harmonic inductors, the system modifies the power delivery parameters to reduce noise while maintaining flicker compliance through selective phase angle control
2Productivity
If heating elements are connected in parallel during printing state, then heating efficiency is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by dynamically changing the connection configuration of heating elements based on operational state. The system switches between series connection (during waiting state) and parallel connection (during printing state), allowing the electrical configuration to adapt dynamically to operational requirements, thereby optimizing heating efficiency while managing power consumption according to actual needs
3Object-generated harmful factors
If waveform number control is used at higher temperatures, then noise reduction is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control method parameter based on temperature conditions. At higher fuser temperatures, the system switches from simple phase control to waveform number control, which provides more precise control over the AC power waveform characteristics. This parameter change enables better noise reduction at elevated temperatures while the control system adapts its complexity level to match operational requirements
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 reduces noise and flicker in the image forming apparatus, ensuring compliance with flicker standards by optimizing power delivery to the heating elements through controlled phase and waveform management.
Implementation Method 1
a fuser driver configured to provide power being provided from an external AC to a heating element inside the fuser so that the fuser has a predetermined temperature
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a fuser configured to fuse printing paper where a toner has been developed; and a fuser driver configured to provide power being provided from an external AC to a heating element inside the fuser so that the fuser has a predetermined temperature, wherein, in response to an operational state of the image forming apparatus being at a waiting state, the fuser driver performs a phase control on the power being provided to the heating element using AC power of sections other than a phase angle of a range predetermined based on a peak voltage value of the external AC power.