Fuser Waveform Number Control for Harmonic Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately controlling the fuser's temperature and energy distribution for efficient image fixation, particularly in balancing harmonics and flicker reduction during different operation modes and paper sizes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of waveform number control and phase control methods for AC power supplied to the fuser, where the processor determines the optimal operation duty and heating method based on the operation mode, temperature, and paper size, ensuring efficient heat distribution using one or multiple heaters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional fuser control methods are used, then the fuser can heat the printing paper, but harmonics and flicker occur during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using waveform number control to divide the AC power cycle into discrete half-wave periods. The processor controls the fuser heater to operate in specific numbers of half-waves (e.g., 1, 2, 3, or 6 half-waves) within each full AC cycle, creating periodic heating patterns that disperse energization points and reduce harmonics and flicker while maintaining temperature control accuracy through precise timing control.
2Temperature
If single heater control is used, then the structure is simple, but heat distribution is insufficient for large paper sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the fuser heating system into multiple independent heater units (first heater and second heater) positioned at different locations along the fuser roller. Each heater can be independently controlled through waveform number control, allowing different heating patterns and duty cycles for each heater based on paper size and operation mode, thereby achieving uniform heat distribution across large paper surfaces while maintaining manageable system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing dynamic selection of heater configuration and control parameters based on operation mode and paper size. The processor dynamically adjusts which heaters are activated, the waveform numbers for each heater, and the duty cycles according to real-time conditions such as paper width and desired temperature distribution, enabling adaptable heat distribution without requiring a fixed complex multi-heater structure.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If continuous heating is applied, then temperature maintenance is simple, but energy consumption increases and flicker occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing discontinuous periodic heating through waveform number control. Instead of continuous heating, the processor activates the heater in specific numbers of half-waves within each AC cycle, creating periodic heating intervals. This disperses the energization points in time, reducing flicker perception while lowering energy consumption. The periodic on-off pattern maintains temperature through cumulative heating effect while avoiding continuous energy input.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using only the necessary portion of each AC power cycle for heating. The processor determines the minimum required waveform numbers (half-waves) to achieve the desired temperature increase, activating heaters for only that specific duration rather than continuous operation. This partial utilization of the power cycle reduces energy consumption while the periodic repetition maintains temperature stability.
4Productivity
If high power is supplied to reach fixation temperature quickly, then productivity improves, but harmonics increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using waveform number control to deliver high power in periodic bursts rather than continuous high power. The processor supplies full AC power during selected half-wave periods and zero power during other periods, creating periodic high-power intervals that achieve rapid heating while the periodic off-times allow harmonic frequencies to dissipate, reducing overall harmonics compared to continuous high-power operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by dynamically adjusting the waveform number (duty cycle) based on real-time temperature feedback and heating requirements. The processor can increase waveform numbers for faster heating when temperature is low, then reduce waveform numbers as temperature approaches target, optimizing heating speed while managing harmonics. This dynamic control allows high productivity during critical heating phases while reducing harmonics during maintenance phases.
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 reduces harmonics and flicker by dispersing energization points and optimizing heat delivery, enhancing the image fixation process while maintaining a predetermined temperature, thus improving the overall printing quality and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a fuser heater (211, 212) for heating the printing paper
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus according to an example includes a print engine including a fuser, a power supply apparatus to selectively provide AC power to the fuser, and a processor to control the power supply apparatus to selectively provide AC power to the fuser, wherein the processor, based on an operation mode of the image forming apparatus being a print mode, performs waveform number control of the AC power provided to the fuser, and, based on the operation mode of the image forming apparatus being an operation mode except for the print mode, performs phase control of the AC power provided to the fuser.