Induction Fixing Device with Controller for Power Optimization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices in image forming apparatuses face challenges in reducing power consumption while maintaining effective image fixation on recording media, particularly in managing heat distribution and pressure across multiple sheets.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a heat generating layer that uses induction heating, combined with a pressure member and a controller to optimize heating based on the time sheets are not present in the nip, allowing for efficient energy use by adjusting the induction heating unit's power according to the total non-passing time of sheets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous heating is applied to the fixing member, then image fixation reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The induction heating unit operates periodically rather than continuously, turning on before sheets enter the nip and turning off after sheets pass through. The controller manages heating cycles based on sheet presence detection, applying heat only when needed for fixation while avoiding unnecessary continuous heating that would waste energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating unit is activated in advance before sheets reach the nip region, ensuring the fixing member reaches adequate temperature for reliable image fixation. This preliminary heating action ensures reliability is established before the actual fixing process begins, while the controller manages the timing to minimize overall energy consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If heating is optimized based on non-passing time, then power consumption is reduced, but temperature control precision becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The controller receives feedback from sheet presence detection and uses this information to adjust heating operations. By monitoring whether sheets are present in the nip and calculating non-passing time intervals, the controller modulates induction heating accordingly, balancing energy savings with maintaining sufficient temperature for reliable fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time sheet presence conditions. The controller modifies heating intensity and duration according to the measured non-passing time, creating a adaptive system that optimizes power consumption while maintaining temperature control precision through continuous monitoring and adjustment.
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 solution reduces power consumption by optimizing heat distribution and pressure application, ensuring consistent image fixation across multiple sheets without increasing the likelihood of fixing failures, and efficiently using generated heat.
Implementation Method 1
an induction heating unit that inductively heats the heat generating layer of the fixing member
Implementation Method 2
a heat generating layer that generates heat by induction
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a fixing member including a heat generating layer that generates heat by induction, the fixing member fixing images onto plural recording media that are successively supplied thereto with heat generated from the heat generating layer; a pressure member that contacts the fixing member and forms a nip between the pressure member and the fixing member, the nip allowing the recording media to pass therethrough; an induction heating unit that inductively heats the heat generating layer of the fixing member; and a controller that controls a manner in which the induction heating unit heats the heat generating layer when the plural recording media successively pass through the nip in accordance with a total of times during which the recording media are not present in the nip, the total of times being measured from when the recording media started passing through the nip.