Image Forming Apparatus with Capsule Toner Decoloring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming and erasing apparatuses require separate processes and significant time for heating and cooling, making them inefficient for quick reuse of paper with color toner images.
Innovation Solution
An integrated image forming apparatus with a fixing device using capsule-type decoloring toner and a control system that allows for simultaneous image formation and erasing, where the toner image is heated to 90°C or more to cut the pigment-color former bond, enabling instant decoloring and reuse of paper.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional heating method at 120-150°C for two hours is used to erase toner color, then complete decoloring is achieved, but processing time becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the temperature parameter from conventional 120-150°C to a lower range of 90-110°C, and modifies the heating time from two hours to approximately one hour, achieving both time reduction and maintaining decoloring effectiveness through optimized parameter combinations
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs periodic heating cycles with multiple stages, where the heating temperature is adjusted in different phases (initial heating, maintenance heating, and cooling phases) to achieve complete decoloring while reducing total processing time through optimized thermal cycling
2Ease of manufacture
If separate image forming and erasing apparatuses are provided, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but system complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the image forming apparatus and image erasing apparatus into a single integrated system, where the fixing device serves dual purposes: fixing toner during image formation and heating paper for decoloring during erasing, thereby reducing system complexity and space requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing device is designed with multi-functionality, capable of performing both toner fixation and paper decoloring operations through controlled heating, allowing a single device to replace what would traditionally require two separate apparatuses
3Loss of time
If heating temperature is increased to 120-150°C for rapid decoloring, then processing time is reduced, but energy consumption and risk of paper damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the heating temperature parameter to a moderate range of 90-110°C, which is sufficient for decoloring capsule-type toner without causing paper damage, and compensates for the lower temperature by optimizing heating time and thermal distribution to maintain processing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements controlled heating rates and maintains uniform temperature distribution throughout the paper stack before reaching the target temperature, preventing thermal shock and paper damage while ensuring complete decoloring through gradual thermal penetration
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 apparatus efficiently forms and erases images, allowing for quick reuse of paper by reducing the time required for the decoloring process, improving energy efficiency and supporting rapid paper recycling.
Implementation Method 1
a heating section configured to heat the paper with the formed image to 90°C or more so as to cut a binding of a color pigment and a color former
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes a mode setting section configured to set an operation mode in a manner that the image forming apparatus is operated in an erasing mode if an erasing operation is instructed, a supplying section configured to supply a medium on which the image formation is completed, and which is set in an designated or specified receiving section, a decoloring section configured to decolor the color of the formed image by carrying the medium to a heating section that includes at least heating and decoloring function, and a return section configured to return the operation mode to a predetermined mode except for the erasing mode from the erasing mode, when the last medium on which the image formation is completed and which is set in the receiving section is decolored.