Induction Heating Fixing Device Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices for color image forming apparatuses face challenges in achieving optimal fixing performance and productivity for both color and monochromatic toner images due to limited power management and size constraints, particularly with the use of heater lamps as heat sources, which restricts flexibility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a conductive heat generating layer and an induction current generating member, where the heat generating layer induces an induction current, and a control unit manages power distribution to reduce consumption and enhance heating efficiency, allowing flexible power application to the induction current generating member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heater lamps are used as heat sources for both heat roller and press roller, then fixing performance for color toner images is achieved, but power consumption increases and device size cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heater lamp from the press roller, eliminating the need for a separate press roller heater. The heat roller alone performs both heating and pressing functions, reducing power consumption while maintaining fixing performance for color toner images.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat roller is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the heating element and the pressing element. By making the heat roller universal, the patent eliminates the need for separate heating mechanisms, thereby reducing overall power consumption and device complexity.
2Productivity
If power is increased for heat roller to shorten warm-up time for monochromatic images, then productivity increases, but power consumption limits are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power adjustment where the power supplied to the heat roller is automatically adjusted based on the detected image type. For monochromatic images, higher power is supplied to shorten warm-up time and increase fixing speed, while for color images, power is distributed differently. This dynamic adjustment allows productivity improvement without permanently exceeding power consumption limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power parameter dynamically based on image type detection. By detecting whether the image is monochromatic or color, the system adjusts power consumption parameters accordingly, allowing high-speed fixing for monochromatic images while maintaining acceptable performance for color images within overall power limits.
3Device complexity
If heater lamp power is fixed, then device simplicity is maintained, but flexibility to adapt to different image types and power availability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where the system detects the image type (monochromatic or color) and adjusts power distribution accordingly. This feedback-based control provides adaptability to different image types while maintaining relatively simple device architecture, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and flexibility.
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 achieves enhanced fixing performance for color toner images by ensuring sufficient heating of the bottom layer and increases productivity for monochromatic images by shortening warm-up time and improving fixing speed, while also reducing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
an induction current generating member that causes the heat generating layer to induce an induction current
Implementation Method 2
a heating source that heats the rotating member not on an image side
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device switches ON a heater lamp of the press roller in a fixing device in a color print mode. In a monochromatic mode, power comparable to the power consumption of the heater lamp can be supplied additionally to an exciting coil on the heat roller side when a heater lamp 3 stays OFF. An amount needed for the heat roller can be therefore added flexibly to the exciting coil. During a warm-up, power comparable to power consumption of the option can be supplied additionally to the exciting coil on the heat roller side.