Fuser Heating Control Using Medium Bend Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face issues with fixing errors due to inaccurate determination of medium type based on reflectance or transmittance, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a bend detector upstream from the fixing member to detect medium bends, allowing for precise control of the heater based on the detected bend to adjust fixing temperature and reduce errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If medium type is determined based on reflectance or transmittance, then medium type detection is achieved, but fixing errors occur due to inaccurate determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical detection methods (reflectance/transmittance) with a mechanical detection method. A bend detector senses the physical bending state of the medium as it passes through the fixing nip, converting mechanical deformation into an electrical signal for medium type determination. This substitution eliminates the inaccuracies of optical methods and provides reliable fixing control.
2Productivity
If fixing temperature is controlled based on inaccurate medium type determination, then fixing process is performed, but fixing errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the bend detector continuously monitors the medium's bending state during the fixing process. The detected bend information is fed back to the heating control member, which adjusts the fixing temperature in real-time based on the actual medium type, ensuring both efficiency and quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from optical properties (reflectance/transmittance) to mechanical properties (bend state). By measuring the physical bending of the medium under fixing nip pressure, the system accurately determines medium type and adjusts fixing parameters accordingly, eliminating fixing errors.
3Reliability
If a bend detector is added to detect medium bends, then fixing accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bend detector utilizes the medium itself as the sensing element. As the medium passes through the fixing nip, its natural bending response to pressure serves as the detection signal. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex external sensing mechanisms while providing accurate medium type detection.
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 and costs by accurately determining medium type through bend detection, ensuring optimal fixing conditions for various paper types.
Implementation Method 1
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
Implementation Method 2
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
Data Source
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.