Induction Fixation Device Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electromagnetically induction-heating type fixation devices experience temperature overshoot and inconsistent gloss or hot offset in images due to rapid temperature increase, leading to unstable heat in the fixation belt, which affects image quality and warm-up time.
Innovation Solution
A fixation device with temperature and power control modes, where the control unit selects between temperature control mode and power control mode based on detected temperatures of the pressure-application member and fixation member, adjusting power supply to the exciting coil using PID feedback control to prevent overshoot and ensure stable temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the electromagnetically induction-heating type fixation device uses maximum power in power control mode at start-up to reduce warm-up time, then the warm-up time is reduced, but the fixation device experiences temperature overshoot that exceeds the target temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The invention dynamically switches between power control mode and temperature control mode based on the current temperature state of the fixation device. At start-up, the device operates in power control mode to rapidly increase temperature, then automatically transitions to temperature control mode when approaching the target temperature to prevent overshoot. This dynamic mode switching resolves the contradiction by adapting the control strategy to the real-time thermal state.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the control parameter from fixed power input to variable power input based on temperature feedback. By monitoring the temperature and adjusting the power supply accordingly (increasing at low temperatures, decreasing or maintaining at high temperatures), the system achieves both rapid warm-up and temperature stability, resolving the overshoot issue while maintaining short warm-up time.
2Productivity
If the fixation device rapidly increases temperature to target temperature, then the warm-up time is reduced, but the temperature becomes unstable causing inconsistent gloss or hot offset in images
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the temperature of the fixation device and using this information to adjust the power supply to the exciting coil. When the temperature approaches the target, the system reduces power to maintain stability. This feedback mechanism ensures temperature stability during image formation while maintaining rapid response, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and temperature stability.
3Temperature
If the control value of PID is reduced to suppress temperature overshoot, then the temperature stability is improved, but the ascending speed of temperature decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention dynamically adjusts the PID control value based on the temperature state. At low temperatures, a larger PID value provides rapid heating. As the temperature approaches the target, the PID value is automatically reduced to prevent overshoot and maintain stability. This dynamic adjustment of control parameters resolves the contradiction by optimizing the heating rate at different temperature stages.
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 reduces warm-up time while effectively suppressing temperature overshoot, ensuring consistent image quality by maintaining the fixation member at a stable temperature, thus improving the image forming process.
Implementation Method 1
generate a magnetic flux by applying a high-frequency pulse to an exciting coil so as to induce a material to generate heat
Implementation Method 2
electromagnetically induction-heating type fixation device
Data Source
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AI summary
A fixation device includes a fixation member including a heating member, a pressure-application member press-contacting the fixation member forming a nip portion, an exciting coil induction-heating the heating member, a first temperature detection unit detecting a first temperature of the pressure-application member or a first ambient temperature of the fixation member, a second temperature detection unit detecting a second temperature of the fixation member, and a control unit selecting a temperature control mode or power control mode controlling power to the exciting coil. When the first temperature exceeds a first threshold temperature or the first ambient temperature exceeds a first ambient threshold temperature, the control unit selects the temperature control mode, and while the first temperature is equal to or lower than the first threshold temperature or the first ambient temperature is equal to or lower than the first ambient threshold temperature, the control unit selects the power control mode.