Image Forming Apparatus Fixing Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in achieving optimal print images due to varying paper thickness, leading to inefficient fixing temperatures and waste of print papers, as users often unknowingly set incorrect paper types, and existing solutions with multiple temperature detecting elements are complex and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a media sensor that detects paper type by weight or thickness, using a pair of rollers with a main heater and an auxiliary heater controlled by an auxiliary power supply to adjust fixing temperature based on paper type, ensuring swift and satisfactory image fixing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple temperature detecting elements are provided to determine paper type, then paper type identification accuracy is improved, but device complexity and time to reach optimal fixing temperature increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the paper type detection function from the temperature detection system. Instead of using multiple temperature detecting elements to determine paper type, the invention uses a separate media sensor (weight sensor or thickness sensor) to detect paper type, and then uses a single temperature detecting element to detect fixing temperature. This separation reduces device complexity while maintaining paper type identification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a media sensor as an intermediary between the paper type detection and temperature control systems. The media sensor detects paper type (weight or thickness), and this information is used as input to control the heating element, eliminating the need for multiple temperature detecting elements and simplifying the overall mechanism.
2Measurement precision
If multiple temperature detecting elements are provided to determine paper type, then paper type identification accuracy is improved, but the time to reach optimal fixing temperature increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using the media sensor to detect paper type before the heating process begins. The detected paper type information is used to pre-determine the appropriate fixing temperature, allowing the single temperature detecting element to directly measure and control the optimal temperature without time-consuming multiple-element detection sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the paper type detection function from the temperature detection process. By using a separate media sensor to detect paper type beforehand, the temperature detecting element can focus solely on measuring fixing temperature, eliminating the time delay associated with multiple elements detecting and processing temperature data to determine paper type.
3Manufacturing precision
If fixing temperature is changed in response to paper type, then print image quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the fixing temperature adjustable based on detected paper type. The control unit dynamically changes the fixing temperature according to the media sensor detection results (weight or thickness), allowing optimal print image quality for different paper types while using a simple single-element temperature detection system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from the media sensor to control the heating element. The media sensor detects paper type and provides feedback to the control unit, which then adjusts the fixing temperature accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables quality optimization without requiring complex multiple-element temperature detection systems.
4Measurement precision
If user manually inputs paper thickness and basic weight, then paper type identification accuracy is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by using the media sensor to automatically detect paper type without requiring user input. The sensor autonomously measures weight or thickness and provides the information to the control unit, eliminating the need for users to manually input paper specifications and improving ease of operation while maintaining identification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual input method with an automated sensor-based system. Instead of requiring users to physically measure and input paper thickness and weight, the media sensor automatically detects these parameters, substituting manual operation with automated detection and improving both ease of operation and measurement precision.
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 allows for rapid adjustment of fixing temperature in response to paper type, reducing wait times and complexity, while ensuring high-quality print images and minimizing paper waste by automatically determining and adapting to different paper types.
Implementation Method 1
a main heater that heats the pair of rollers by passing a current therethrough when the recording paper passes by
Implementation Method 2
an auxiliary heater that selectively heats at least one of the pair of rollers using an auxiliary power supply when the recording paper passes by the pair of rollers by passing a current therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus according to an aspect of the invention includes: a media sensor that detects a type of a recording paper; a development unit configured to develop an image on the recording paper; a pair of rollers that fixes the image on the recording paper by nipping the recording paper bearing the image developed in the development unit and forcing the recording paper to pass by; a main heater that heats the pair of rollers by passing a current therethrough when the recording paper passes by; and an auxiliary heater that selectively heats at least one of the pair of rollers by passing a current therethrough when the recording paper passes by the pair of rollers in a case where the media sensor detects that the weight per unit of the recording paper or the thickness of the recording paper is equal to or greater than a specific value.