Heating Device Power Control for Flicker Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating devices in image forming apparatuses experience flickering issues when a shared power source supplies power to both the heating device and other devices, leading to voltage drops and unstable operation.
Innovation Solution
A heating device with a controller that initially supplies power at 33% or 67% of the rated power to the heat-generating member, followed by the full rated power, to reduce flicker values and voltage drops by controlling the AC power supply in half-wave cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If rated power is supplied from an early period of power supply to the heat-generating member, then heating efficiency is improved, but the probability of flickering in connected devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary action by supplying power at reduced levels (33% or 67% of rated power) during the early period before full rated power is applied. This preliminary controlled power supply prevents voltage drops and flickering in connected devices while still initiating the heating process, resolving the contradiction between heating efficiency and power supply stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller implements periodic action by switching between different power supply levels (33%, 67%, and 100% of rated power) based on the heating phase. During the early period, power is supplied periodically at reduced levels to avoid flickering, then transitions to full rated power for efficient heating. This periodic modulation resolves the contradiction by adapting power supply to different operational stages.
2Speed
If rated power is supplied to the heat-generating member, then heating speed is improved, but voltage drops occur affecting other devices
Solution Approach 1:
The controller applies preliminary action by gradually increasing power supply from 33% or 67% to 100% of rated power. This gradual approach allows the system to prepare for full power operation, preventing sudden voltage drops that would affect other devices while still achieving rapid heating through the transition to full rated power.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller changes the power supply parameter dynamically, switching between 33%, 67%, and 100% of rated power based on heating phase and system conditions. This parameter modulation allows the system to achieve fast heating when needed while preventing voltage drops during critical periods, resolving the contradiction between heating speed and voltage stability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If power is supplied at 33% or 67% output before rated power, then flicker value is reduced, but heating time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The controller uses periodic action by implementing a structured power supply sequence: initial power at 33% or 67% to reduce flicker, then transition to 100% rated power for efficient heating. This periodic modulation optimizes the balance between reducing flicker values and minimizing heating time by applying full power as soon as the initial stabilization phase is complete.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller performs preliminary action by supplying power at reduced levels only for the minimum necessary initial period to prevent flickering, then quickly transitions to full rated power. This preliminary controlled phase is kept brief to minimize heating time extension while still achieving the flicker reduction objective.
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 significantly decreases the likelihood of flickering in connected devices by managing power distribution effectively, reducing voltage drops and maintaining stable operation in the image forming apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
at least one heat-generating member that generates heat by being supplied with power supplied by a shared power source
Data Source
AI summary
A heating device includes at least one heat-generating member that generates heat by being supplied with power supplied by a shared power source and a controller that performs control in such a manner that, when the shared power source starts supplying power to the heat-generating member, a rated power is supplied to the heat-generating member after power that is 33% output or 67% output of the rated power has been supplied to the heat-generating member.