Induction Heater Frequency Control for Interference Avoidance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The operation frequency of a power source circuit in image forming apparatuses can interfere with other electronic devices, causing malfunctions, and existing solutions struggle to continually adjust the driving frequency to prevent such interference while maintaining effective heating.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a fixing device with an induction heater, a frequency determining portion, a frequency changing portion, and a heating control portion that adjusts the driving frequency to either the lower or higher boundary of a prohibited frequency band to prevent interference with other electronic devices, ensuring the heating process is not compromised.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the driving frequency of the induction heater is adjusted to prevent interference with other electronic devices, then the reliability of nearby electronic devices is improved, but the heating efficiency may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic frequency adjustment by continuously monitoring the operating frequency and switching between a normal frequency and a malfunction prevention frequency based on detection results. The frequency determining portion dynamically selects appropriate frequencies to avoid interfering with security gate devices while maintaining effective heating operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the driving frequency parameter of the induction heater between two specific values: a normal frequency for efficient heating and a malfunction prevention frequency that avoids interfering with nearby electronic devices. This parameter switching resolves the contradiction by adapting the frequency based on operational conditions.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the driving frequency is switched to a predetermined malfunction prevention frequency, then the harmful factors affecting other electronic devices are reduced, but the loss of time for frequency switching increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the frequency determining portion continuously monitors the operating frequency and automatically switches between normal and malfunction prevention frequencies based on the detection results. This real-time feedback system minimizes unnecessary frequency switching and reduces time loss by only changing frequency when interference is detected or anticipated.
3Reliability
If the operation frequency of the power source circuit is changed to prevent malfunction of other devices, then the reliability of the system is improved, but the adaptability to different operating conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic frequency selection system that adapts to different operating conditions by switching between normal and malfunction prevention frequencies. The frequency determining portion dynamically adjusts the operating frequency based on real-time detection, maintaining both reliability and adaptability to varying operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the driving frequency parameter between two specific values depending on operational conditions. The system maintains adaptability by selecting the appropriate frequency (normal or malfunction prevention) based on the detected operating environment, thus preserving versatility while ensuring reliability.
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 effectively prevents malfunctions in nearby electronic devices by adjusting the driving frequency of the induction heater within the image forming apparatus, maintaining efficient heating and minimizing the risk of hot offsets or fixing defects.
Implementation Method 1
The induction heater heats the heated member by induction heating
Data Source
AI summary
A frequency determining portion determines a driving frequency of an induction heater. A determination processing portion determines whether or not the driving frequency determined by the frequency determining portion is within a predetermined prohibited frequency band. A frequency changing portion, when the driving frequency determined by the frequency determining portion is within the prohibited frequency band and is lower than a predetermined threshold within the prohibited frequency band, changes the driving frequency to a frequency equal to or lower than a lower boundary frequency of the prohibited frequency band, and when the driving frequency is within the prohibited frequency band and is equal to or higher than the threshold, changes the driving frequency to a frequency equal to or higher than a higher boundary frequency of the prohibited frequency band. A heating control portion drives the induction heater by the driving frequency changed by the frequency changing portion.