Image Forming System Multi-Stage Fixing for Special Colors

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing cost of image forming systems that require separate stations for standard and special colors, such as gold and fluorescent colors, due to the need for additional image forming stations and complex configurations.

Innovation Solution

An image forming system with a dual-image forming configuration, where a first image forming section uses standard toners and a second image forming section uses decolorable toners, with a controller managing the heating temperature in multiple stages to accommodate both standard and special color printing, allowing for the integration of special color capabilities without significant design changes to existing systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a separate image forming station for special colors is added in addition to standard color stations, then special color printing capability is achieved, but system cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespecial color printing capabilityVSAvoidsystem configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The image forming station is designed to perform multiple functions by using different types of toners (standard color and decolorable special colors) in the same station. The station can form images with standard colors and special colors sequentially on the same sheet, eliminating the need for separate dedicated stations for special colors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing temperature is changed in two or more stages to accommodate different toner types. The controller adjusts the fixing temperature to be higher for standard color toners and lower for decolorable special color toners, enabling the same image forming station to process both toner types effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If a separate image forming station for special colors is added, then special color printing capability is achieved, but the system footprint and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespecial color printing capabilityVSAvoidsystem footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the function of special color image forming into the existing standard color image forming station. By combining both functions in one station and using the same physical components (drum, developer, fixing unit), the system achieves special color capability without increasing the overall footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the fixing temperature is increased to fix standard color toners, then standard color images are properly fixed, but decolorable special color toners may be excessively heated and damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestandard color image fixationVSAvoidexcessive heating of decolorable toner

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing temperature is made dynamic rather than fixed. The controller adjusts the fixing temperature in two or more stages based on the toner type being processed: a higher temperature for standard color toners and a lower temperature for decolorable special color toners. This dynamic adjustment ensures proper fixation without excessive heating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing process uses periodic temperature variation with two or more stages. The controller periodically changes the fixing temperature according to the toner type, applying high temperature for standard colors and low temperature for special colors in sequence, ensuring both toner types are properly handled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 configuration reduces the overall cost and footprint of the system while enabling efficient use of both standard and special toners, allowing users to conveniently print with special colors without frequent usage, and minimizes the risk of excessive heating, thus enhancing system miniaturization and usability.

Implementation Method 1

A fixing section is configured to heat the sheet on which the first image has been formed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

a second image using a second colorant type on the sheet after the sheet has been passed through the fixing section, wherein the second colorant type is different from the first colorant type

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal decoloration: Thermochromism

Data Source

PatentUS10545436B2Image forming system having multiple image forming units

Publication Date: 2020.01.28 TOSHIBA TEC KK

AI summary

An image forming system comprises a sheet supply section configured to supply a sheet for printing. The system includes a registration roller configured to guide the sheet supplied from the sheet supply section along a conveyance path. A first image forming section is configured to form a first image on the sheet based on reference image information using a first colorant type that is capable of being fixed to the sheet by heat. A fixing section is configured to heat the sheet on which the first image has been formed. A second image forming section is configured to receive the sheet from the fixing section and form a second image using a second colorant type on the sheet after the sheet has been passed through the fixing section. A controller is configured to control a heating temperature of the fixing section in two or more stages.