Image Forming Apparatus Registration Pattern Concentration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately aligning color images due to errors in photosensitive drum arrangement and optical processing, leading to high toner concentration during color registration, which shortens toner life and increases printing delays due to extensive cleaning requirements.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus that controls photosensitive drums to form printed patterns at a higher concentration for normal printing and registration patterns at a lower concentration, using a processor to adjust exposure and transfer voltages, and includes a sensor to detect light reflected from the intermediate transfer belt for registration correction, reducing toner consumption and printing time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the concentration of the color registration pattern is set to the highest concentration, then the color registration accuracy is improved, but the toner consumption increases and the transfer roller cleaning time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the concentration parameter of the registration pattern. Instead of using the highest concentration for all registration operations, the system varies the concentration parameter based on the specific registration needs, thereby reducing toner consumption while maintaining sufficient registration accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by using only the necessary amount of toner concentration for registration purposes. Rather than applying maximum concentration universally, the system applies a reduced concentration that is sufficient for alignment purposes, avoiding excessive toner usage while still achieving the required color registration accuracy.
2Manufacturing precision
If the concentration of the color registration pattern is set to the highest concentration, then the color registration accuracy is improved, but the printing time increases due to extended cleaning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the concentration parameter of registration patterns to optimize the balance between registration accuracy and printing efficiency. By using a reduced concentration that is still sufficient for alignment, the system minimizes transfer roller contamination and reduces cleaning time, thereby decreasing overall printing time while maintaining adequate color registration accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using only the minimum necessary toner concentration for effective registration. This avoids excessive toner deposition on the transfer roller, reducing the time required for cleaning operations and thereby缩短ing the overall printing cycle while still achieving sufficient color alignment accuracy.
3Loss of substance
If the concentration of the color registration pattern is reduced, then the toner consumption decreases and the cleaning time is reduced, but the color registration accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by using a reduced but sufficient concentration of toner for registration patterns. This approach avoids both excessive toner usage and insufficient registration quality by finding the optimal partial concentration that meets the alignment requirements while minimizing toner consumption and cleaning time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the concentration parameter of registration patterns based on actual registration needs. The system modifies the concentration parameter to an optimized level that maintains sufficient color registration accuracy while reducing toner consumption and subsequent cleaning requirements.
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 effectively reduces toner consumption and printing time by forming registration patterns at a lower concentration, extending toner life and minimizing cleaning time for the transfer roller.
Implementation Method 1
an exposurer that scans light onto each of the four photosensitive drums to form an electrostatic latent image
Implementation Method 2
a sensor configured to detect light reflected from the intermediate transfer belt to generate a detection signal
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes: a plurality of photosensitive drums; a plurality of exposurers exposing some area of surfaces of each of the plurality of photosensitive drums; a plurality of developers disposing a toner in the exposed area on the surfaces of each of the plurality of photosensitive drums; an intermediate transfer belt transferred with the toner disposed on each of the plurality of photosensitive drums to form a pattern; and a processor controlling the plurality of photosensitive drums or the plurality of exposurers to form a printed pattern on the intermediate transfer belt at a predetermined first concentration in response to a print command being input and form a registration pattern on the intermediate transfer belt at a second concentration lower than the first concentration in response to a registration command being input.