Heater Abnormality Detection Circuit Merging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses with multiple temperature detection elements require increased costs and component mounting area due to the need for multiple photocouplers, leading to unnecessary configuration complexity for abnormality detection in heater systems.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a heater, temperature detection portions on the primary side, a control unit isolated on the secondary side, and an abnormality transmission circuit that transmits signals from the detection circuit portions to the control unit, allowing for efficient detection and prevention of heater abnormalities without excessive configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple photocouplers are provided for each temperature detection element, then abnormality detection reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple abnormality detection circuit portions share a single abnormality transmission circuit portion. The transmission circuit uses OR logic to combine abnormality signals from multiple detection circuits, allowing one transmission path to serve multiple detection functions. This merging approach maintains detection reliability while reducing the number of isolated transmission paths needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The abnormality transmission circuit portion is designed to handle abnormality signals from multiple different temperature detection portions through a universal interface. The circuit can receive and process abnormality indications from any of the multiple detection circuits, making the transmission portion multi-functional rather than dedicated to a single detection element.
2Reliability
If multiple photocouplers are provided for each temperature detection element, then abnormality detection reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple abnormality detection circuit portions share a single abnormality transmission circuit portion. The transmission circuit uses OR logic to combine abnormality signals from multiple detection circuits, allowing one transmission path to serve multiple detection functions. This merging approach maintains detection reliability while reducing the number of isolated transmission paths needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The abnormality transmission circuit portion is designed to handle abnormality signals from multiple different temperature detection portions through a universal interface. The circuit can receive and process abnormality indications from any of the multiple detection circuits, making the transmission portion multi-functional rather than dedicated to a single detection element.
3Reliability
If multiple photocouplers are provided for each temperature detection element, then abnormality detection reliability is improved, but component mounting area increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple abnormality detection circuit portions share a single abnormality transmission circuit portion. The transmission circuit uses OR logic to combine abnormality signals from multiple detection circuits, allowing one transmission path to serve multiple detection functions. This merging approach maintains detection reliability while reducing the number of isolated transmission paths needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The abnormality transmission circuit portion is designed to handle abnormality signals from multiple different temperature detection portions through a universal interface. The circuit can receive and process abnormality indications from any of the multiple detection circuits, making the transmission portion multi-functional rather than dedicated to a single detection element.
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 configuration prevents apparatus damage at a lower cost and reduces the complexity of abnormality detection in heater systems, maintaining efficiency while minimizing unnecessary component usage.
Implementation Method 1
a heater including a heating element that generates heat by energization
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a heater including a heating element, a driving unit that supplies electrical power to the heating element, and a plurality of temperature detection portions, each detecting a temperature of the heater, and being disposed on a first circuit. A control unit controls the driving unit based on the temperatures detected by the plurality of temperature detection portions, the control unit being disposed on a second circuit, which is isolated from the first circuit. A plurality of abnormality detection circuit portions output signals corresponding to the temperatures detected by the plurality of temperature detection portions, and are disposed on the first circuits. In addition, an abnormality transmission circuit portion transmits a signal indicating an abnormality in the heater to the control unit based on the signals output by the abnormality detection circuit portions.