Image-Forming Fixing Temperature Control from Toner Overlap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses determine the fixing target temperature based on the largest toner overlapping ratio and image area rate, which often results in temperatures higher than necessary, leading to inefficiencies in energy consumption, paper curling, and premature wear of the fixing device.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus adjusts the fixing temperature based on the maximum toner overlapping ratio and additional factors such as image area rate, minimum margin width, presence of picture images, and sheet thickness to optimize the fixing process, reducing energy consumption and improving device longevity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the fixing target temperature is determined based on the largest toner overlapping ratio and largest image area rate, then the toner images can be fixed reliably, but the fixing temperature becomes higher than necessary, causing increased energy consumption and premature wear of the fixing device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter used for determining fixing temperature from fixed design values (largest toner overlapping ratio and largest image area rate) to dynamic values calculated from actual print job data. This allows the fixing temperature to be optimized for each specific printing task, reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliable fixing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment of fixing temperature based on real-time analysis of print job characteristics. Instead of using a static high temperature to ensure fixing reliability, the system dynamically selects the minimum necessary temperature based on actual toner distribution and image area calculations.
2Reliability
If the fixing target temperature is determined based on the largest toner overlapping ratio and largest image area rate, then the toner images can be fixed reliably, but the fixing device life is reduced due to excessive heat exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from a conservative high value to an optimized value based on actual print characteristics. This reduces the thermal stress on the fixing device during operation, thereby extending its service life while maintaining fixing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the fixing temperature according to the specific requirements of each print job, avoiding unnecessary high temperature exposure that would accelerate degradation of the fixing device components.
3Reliability
If the fixing target temperature is set high to ensure fixing quality, then all toner images can be fixed, but paper curling increases due to excessive heat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the temperature parameter by calculating it based on actual toner overlapping ratios and image area rates from the print job. This prevents using excessively high temperatures that cause paper curling, while still ensuring adequate fixing quality for the actual content being printed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by tailoring the fixing temperature to the specific characteristics of each print job rather than using a uniform high temperature for all cases. This localized optimization reduces harmful effects like paper curling while maintaining fixing quality where needed.
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 enhances energy efficiency, reduces paper curling, and extends the life of the fixing device by using optimized fixing temperatures tailored to the specific characteristics of each print job.
Implementation Method 1
The fixing device heats the one or more toner images and the recording medium based on a target fixing temperature
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming section, a fixing device, and circuitry. The image forming section forms one or more toner images of one or more toners on a recording medium. The fixing device heats the one or more toner images and the recording medium based on a target fixing temperature. The circuitry is configured to receive a print job, determine a maximum toner overlapping ratio of the one or more toner images on a page in the print job, determine the target fixing temperature of the fixing device in accordance with the maximum toner overlapping ratio on the page, control the image forming section to form the one or more toner images, and control the fixing device to heat and fix the one or more toner images on the recording medium at the target fixing temperature.