Ion Generating Unit Control for Static Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face increased complexity and cost due to the need for electrostatic sensors and continuous operation of ion generating units, leading to shortened maintenance intervals and performance degradation.
Innovation Solution
A feeding apparatus with an ion generating unit controlled by a controller that operates only when specific sheet information is detected, deactivating the unit for sheets that do not require static removal, thereby reducing unnecessary ion generation and extending the life of the electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the ion generating unit is kept running continuously, then static elimination is maintained, but the life of discharging electrodes is shortened and maintenance intervals are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ion generating unit operates periodically rather than continuously. The controller activates the ion generating unit only when sheets requiring static removal are detected by the sensor, and deactivates it when no such sheets are present. This periodic operation maintains static elimination effectiveness when needed while significantly reducing cumulative electrode consumption and extending electrode life.
2Ease of operation
If an electrostatic sensor is installed to detect sheet charge, then static removal can be controlled, but the device configuration becomes more complicated and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the sheet feeding unit's own operational information to control the ion generating unit. The controller determines whether static removal is needed based on the type of sheet being fed through the device, eliminating the need for separate electrostatic sensors. The sheet feeding unit effectively 'self-regulates' the static removal process based on its own operational parameters.
3Reliability
If the ion generating unit operates continuously, then static charge is eliminated, but energy is wasted when sheets do not require static removal
Solution Approach 1:
The ion generating unit is activated periodically based on the actual need for static removal. The controller monitors sheet feeding information and activates the ion generating unit only when sheets that require static elimination are detected. This prevents continuous operation and eliminates energy waste during periods when static removal is not necessary.
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 longer maintenance intervals and reduced running costs by ensuring the ion generating unit operates only when necessary, maintaining performance and extending the life of the static removing portion.
Implementation Method 1
The ion generating unit operates on the principle of ionizing molecules in the air by a corona discharge between electrodes to which high voltage is applied
Implementation Method 2
The ion generating unit operates on the principle of ionizing molecules in the air by a corona discharge between electrodes to which high voltage is applied
Data Source
AI summary
A feeding apparatus includes a feeding unit, an ion generating unit and a controller. The ion generating unit irradiates the sheet fed by the feeding unit with the ion. The controller acquires an information on the fed sheet and to controls the ion generating unit. The controller operates the ion generating unit in a case that the information of the sheet is a first information, and does not operate the ion generating unit in a case that the information of the sheet is a second information.