Lubricant Application Unevenness Detection in Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses fail to accurately detect lubricant application unevenness at an early stage, leading to inefficiencies in lubricant usage and potential damage to photoreceptors.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with an application unevenness detection mode that forms a density unevenness measurement image by changing the lubricant application amount, allowing for accurate detection of lubricant unevenness through a hardware processor and density measurer, enabling timely replacement and control of lubricant application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the lubricant application device operates for an extended period, then productivity is improved, but the application performance deteriorates causing lubricant application unevenness
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of lubricant application state by forming a density unevenness measurement image and calculating density unevenness before actual image formation is affected. This allows proactive intervention to maintain application performance throughout extended operation periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where the density unevenness measurement results are used to determine whether to adjust lubricant application amount or replace the lubricant application device, ensuring continuous monitoring and correction to maintain reliable operation.
2Reliability
If the lubricant application amount is increased to compensate for degradation, then the lubricant effect is maintained, but application unevenness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the application amount parameter of lubricant based on detected density unevenness levels. When density unevenness is within acceptable ranges, normal application continues; when exceeded, the system adjusts application amount to restore uniformity, maintaining both effect and uniformity dynamically.
3Manufacturing precision
If the lubricant application device is replaced frequently to maintain performance, then application uniformity is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of density unevenness to identify when lubricant application performance is degrading. By detecting issues early through measurement images and calculations, the system can plan replacements at optimal moments rather than through frequent preventive replacements, maintaining productivity while ensuring uniformity.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: an image carrier; a lubricant applicator that applies a lubricant to the image carrier; a hardware processor; and a density unevenness measurer that is provided in the image forming apparatus or outside the image forming apparatus, and measures a first density unevenness for at least one of the density unevenness measurement image formed by the image former in the application unevenness detection mode or a density unevenness measurement image obtained by primary or subsequent transfer of the density unevenness measurement image, wherein the hardware processor detects the application unevenness of the lubricant applied by the lubricant applicator based on the first density unevenness measured by the density unevenness measurer.