Heater Control for Image Fixing Voltage Fluctuations
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming devices face issues with unfirm fixing and image ghosting due to voltage fluctuations in the power supply, which affect the heating process and result in inconsistent temperature achievement during the fixing operation.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for heating control in image forming devices that determine the characteristic of temperature change or voltage parameter of the current power supply to adjust the heating start time of a preheated heater in real-time, ensuring the heater reaches the target temperature within a set time before the image enters the fixing assembly, thereby addressing voltage fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the heating voltage is increased to reduce heating time, then the heating time is shortened, but image ghosting appears because the target temperature is achieved too early
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the heating control adaptive to voltage fluctuations. The controller dynamically adjusts the heating start time based on real-time voltage detection, transforming a static heating process into a dynamic one that responds to changing electrical conditions, thereby preventing both unfirm fixing and image ghosting
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by detecting the actual voltage in real-time during the heating process and using this information to adjust the heating start time. The controller continuously monitors voltage fluctuations and modifies the heating timing accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that ensures consistent fixing quality despite power supply variations
2Reliability
If the heating voltage is decreased to extend heating time, then the heating time is prolonged, but unfirm fixing occurs because the target temperature is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts heating parameters based on detected voltage levels. When voltage is lower than expected, the controller extends the heating duration or advances the heating start time, transforming a rigid heating process into an adaptive one that compensates for power supply deficiencies, thereby ensuring sufficient heating without causing image ghosting
Solution Approach 2:
The controller uses feedback from voltage detection to determine appropriate heating timing. By continuously monitoring the actual voltage and comparing it with expected values, the system adjusts the heating start time to ensure the heater reaches the required temperature before the image arrives at the fixing assembly, preventing unfirm fixing
3Reliability
If a voltage stabilizer circuit is added to eliminate voltage fluctuations, then the heating process becomes stable, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a voltage detection intermediary that measures voltage fluctuations and provides this information to the controller. Instead of directly stabilizing the voltage through complex circuits, the system uses this intermediate voltage information to adjust heating timing, achieving stable heating results through a simpler control-based approach rather than hardware stabilization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical approach of voltage stabilization (using voltage stabilizer circuits) with a control-based timing adjustment approach. Instead of modifying the electrical system to stabilize voltage, the system substitutes by adjusting the heating timing based on detected voltage conditions, achieving the same reliability goal through a different mechanism that avoids additional complex circuitry
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
The solution effectively stabilizes the heating process, preventing unfirm fixing and image ghosting by adjusting the heating start time based on actual voltage fluctuations, ensuring consistent image quality without the need for additional voltage stabilizer circuits.
Implementation Method 1
a toner is melted by the heat on the surface of the heat roller
Implementation Method 2
a sensor that detects the temperature of the fixing assembly
Data Source
AI summary
Method of heating control includes preheating a heater to a first target temperature when an image forming device is powered on, is woken up from sleep, or receives a task to be processed; determining a voltage parameter of the heater or a characteristic of temperature change of a heating process of the heater, under the current environment of the power supply, according to a prior-preheating temperature, a post-preheating temperature, and a time length of the preheating; and according to the voltage parameter or the characteristic of temperature change under the current environment of the power supply, determining a heating start time of a second heating for the preheated heater and triggering the second heating at the heating start time, to allow a temperature of the heater to reach a second target temperature within a set time before an image to-be fixed arrives at the fixing assembly.