Power Control Modes for Heating Roller Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power control methods for heating devices in image forming apparatuses often result in insufficient heating due to power limitations, leading to reduced fixing performance and potential component shortages, and require costly upgrades to handle high power demands.
Innovation Solution
A power control method that switches between two modes: a first mode controlling power based on temperature and a second mode for forced-driving the heating means with excess power, utilizing burst driving and staggered power supply to ensure consistent heating performance without exceeding allowable power values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the heating means is supplied with power not more than the allowable power value, then other components can operate properly without power shortage, but the heating performance may be insufficient leading to reduced fixing performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by switching between two power control modes: a first mode that limits power to allowable values for reliable component operation, and a second mode that supplies excess power for enhanced heating performance. This periodic switching resolves the contradiction by providing sufficient heating power at appropriate intervals while maintaining overall system reliability through the first mode's power constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the power supply mode adjustable and switchable based on operational conditions. The control section dynamically transitions between the first power control mode (temperature-based control within allowable power) and the second power control mode (excess power supply), allowing the system to adapt to varying heating requirements while maintaining component reliability.
2Temperature
If the heating means is supplied with power more than the allowable power value, then heating performance is improved, but other components may experience power shortage and malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action to alternately apply the first power control mode (which ensures component reliability) and the second power control mode (which provides excess power for better heating). This periodic switching ensures that while heating performance is improved during second mode operation, the system maintains reliability by returning to the first mode, preventing sustained power shortage conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control by allowing the system to switch between two power supply strategies. The control section dynamically adjusts the power mode based on heating requirements, enabling temporary excess power supply for improved temperature performance while maintaining overall system reliability through the availability of the first mode's power-constrained operation.
3Power
If commercial power source capacity is increased to meet high power demands, then sufficient power can be supplied to all components, but costly upgrades are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing two distinct power control modes that can be switched based on operational needs. The first mode operates within the existing allowable power value, while the second mode temporarily supplies excess power when heating performance requires it. This approach eliminates the need for costly commercial power source upgrades by efficiently managing available power through periodic mode switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic control to optimize power distribution without requiring infrastructure upgrades. The control section dynamically switches between the first power control mode (operating within allowable power constraints) and the second power control mode (supplying excess power for enhanced heating). This dynamic management allows the system to meet high power demands temporarily while maintaining cost-effectiveness by operating within existing power source capabilities.
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 maintains consistent heating performance by compensating for power shortages and reducing the risk of component failures, while minimizing the need for costly power upgrades by optimizing power usage within existing power constraints.
Implementation Method 1
the heating means is caused to generate heat to set the surface temperature of the heating roller to a target temperature (fixing temperature)
Data Source
AI summary
A control section (101) includes a first power control section (81) (a first power control mode) and a second power control section (82) (a second power control mode). The first power control section (81) is for controlling an setting value of electric power to be supplied to a heater lamp (64) based on the temperature of a heating roller (61). The second power control section (82) is for controlling the setting value of electric power to be supplied to the heater lamp (64) in order to forced-drive the heater lamp (64) by an electric power that is higher than the setting value of electric power. Switching control means (84) performs switching between the first power control mode and the second power control mode depending on a status of operation of each of components forming an image forming apparatus (100).