Induction Heating Fusing Device Resonance Frequency Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing induction heating fusing devices face challenges in controlling very small current regions and maintaining efficiency due to limitations in power control methods, particularly when the driving frequency deviates from resonance frequency, leading to increased switching losses and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The induction heating fusing device employs a digitally controlled serial resonance circuit with a phase comparator, phase controller, resonance frequency tracking oscillator, and PWM signal generator to track and adjust the resonance frequency, enabling precise PWM control and phase control without considering component constant deviations or temperature changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If PWM control is performed without tracking resonance frequency, then control simplicity is maintained, but power efficiency deteriorates due to increased switching losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a resonance frequency tracking mechanism that continuously monitors the actual resonance frequency and adjusts the driving frequency accordingly. This feedback loop ensures the system operates at optimal efficiency points while maintaining relatively simple control circuitry through automated frequency adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the driving frequency to track the resonance frequency in real-time. This dynamic adaptation allows the control circuit to maintain power efficiency across varying operating conditions without requiring complex control algorithms or additional hardware components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If driving frequency deviates from resonance frequency, then adaptability to component variations is improved, but power efficiency deteriorates due to increased switching losses
Solution Approach 1:
The resonance frequency tracking system continuously monitors actual resonance conditions and automatically adjusts the driving frequency to compensate for component variations. This feedback mechanism provides adaptability to component constant deviations while maintaining optimal power efficiency by keeping the driving frequency aligned with the actual resonance frequency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the driving frequency parameter dynamically to track the resonance frequency. This parameter adjustment allows the system to adapt to component variations and temperature changes while maintaining power efficiency, as the frequency is continuously optimized rather than fixed.
3Device complexity
If fixed frequency control is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inability to compensate for temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from fixed frequency control to dynamic frequency tracking. The driving frequency is continuously adjusted to match the actual resonance frequency, which varies with temperature and component characteristics. This dynamic approach improves frequency control precision without significantly increasing device complexity, as the adjustment is automated through the tracking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The resonance frequency tracking provides continuous feedback on actual operating conditions, enabling the system to compensate for temperature changes and component variations. This feedback loop improves manufacturing precision by ensuring the driving frequency always matches the optimal resonance frequency, while keeping the control circuit relatively simple through automated 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 allows for effective control of both small and large current regions, improving power efficiency and reducing hardware requirements, while being adaptable to various specifications without needing hardware changes.
Implementation Method 1
An induction heating method heats the fusing roller or the fusing belt by allowing a magnetic flux generated by the induction heating coil to flow through a conductor part of the fusing roller or the fusing belt to allow an eddy current to flow through the inside of the fusing belt or the fusing roller and to heat the fusing roller or the fusing belt with Joule heat generated by this eddy current.
Implementation Method 2
allowing a magnetic flux generated by the induction heating coil to flow through a conductor part of the fusing roller or the fusing belt to allow an eddy current to flow through the inside of the fusing belt or the fusing roller
Implementation Method 3
heat the fusing roller or the fusing belt with Joule heat generated by this eddy current
Data Source
AI summary
An induction heating fusing device and an image forming apparatuses that may control even a very small current region by tracking a resonance frequency to perform PWM control and phase control without considering a deviation of a part constant or a temperature change are provided. The induction heating fusing device includes: a serial resonance circuit having an induction coil and a condenser; a phase comparator, a phase controller, a resonance frequency tracking oscillator, and a PWM (pulse width modulation) signal generator. The phase comparator compares a phase of a pulse outputted by the PWM signal generator with a phase of current flowing through the induction coil, outputs a comparison result obtained by the comparing to the phase controller when controlling the phase, and outputs the comparison result to the resonance frequency tracking oscillator when performing PWM control.