Fusing Unit Heat Generating Member Sequential Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses experience excessive inrush current and flicker phenomena due to simultaneous power supply to multiple heat generating members, leading to potential malfunctions and damage, especially when designed to generate high heat, causing noise issues and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a control method that selectively supplies power to heat generating members using waveform number control in standby mode, converting members on and off sequentially, and adjusting power based on temperature to prevent simultaneous activation, thereby reducing inrush current and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If multiple heat generating members are supplied with power simultaneously to generate high heat, then the heating capability is improved, but excessive inrush current and voltage variation occur causing flicker phenomenon and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by controlling the power supply to heat generating members in sequential waves rather than simultaneously. The power supply unit supplies power in multiple waveform cycles, activating heat generating members one after another in a periodic manner. This prevents excessive inrush current while maintaining the ability to generate sufficient heat through cumulative heating effect over multiple cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-controlling the power supply sequence before actual heating begins. The control unit plans and executes the power distribution to multiple heat generating members in advance, ensuring that only one member receives power at a time. This preliminary control prevents voltage drops and flicker phenomena that would occur with simultaneous power activation.
2Illumination intensity
If waveform number control is used to supply power to multiple heat generating members, then the flicker phenomenon is reduced, but inrush current still occurs when members are activated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action to control power supply in sequential waveform cycles. Each heat generating member is activated in separate waveform periods rather than simultaneously. This periodic activation pattern reduces both flicker phenomenon by smoothing power delivery and inrush current by spacing out the activation events across different waveform cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the power supply system adaptive and controllable in real-time. The power supply unit dynamically adjusts the timing and sequence of power delivery to each heat generating member based on the waveform cycles. This dynamic control allows the system to manage inrush current effectively while maintaining stable operation and minimizing flicker.
3Temperature
If phase control is used to control alternating current power to heat generating members, then the heat generation amount is controlled, but excessive noise is caused by resonance when chopped section is narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces phase control with periodic waveform number control. Instead of chopping the alternating current waveform which causes resonance and noise, the system supplies complete waveform cycles sequentially to different heat generating members. This periodic full-waveform approach maintains precise heat generation control while eliminating the narrow chopped sections that cause resonant noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from phase angle (in phase control) to waveform number and sequence. By controlling which complete waveform cycles are supplied to which heat generating members, the system achieves the same heat generation control function without the harmful resonance effects. This parameter change transforms the control mechanism to avoid noise-generating conditions.
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 inrush current, minimizes flicker phenomena, and prevents noise-related malfunctions by ensuring only one heat generating member is active at a time during standby mode, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The heat generating member receives an alternating current power to generate a heat
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus and a method of controlling a fusing unit thereof are provided. The method includes: detecting a present mode of the image forming apparatus; selecting a waveform number control to control an electric power source which is supplied to the fusing unit when the present mode is a standby mode; and supplying the electric power source to one of a plurality of heat generating members depending on the waveform number control to prevent the plurality of heat generating members from being simultaneously supplied with the electric power.