Motor Speed Control for Image Forming Apparatus Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electrophotographic image forming apparatuses, high load states can lead to instability in motor rotation, potentially affecting image quality and risking motor breakdown due to prolonged stress.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a motor with a driving current value that adjusts based on load, featuring a measuring unit to monitor the current and a setting unit that adjusts the rotation speed from a first speed to a lower second speed when the current exceeds a certain range, thereby reducing motor load and preventing instability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the motor operates at high rotation speed to maintain productivity, then image formation efficiency is improved, but motor stability deteriorates under high load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The motor rotation speed is dynamically adjusted based on real-time load conditions. The control unit monitors the load on the motor and automatically changes the rotation speed between first speed (higher) and second speed (lower) to maintain stability while preserving productivity when conditions allow
Solution Approach 2:
A feedback mechanism is implemented where the control unit continuously monitors motor load and adjusts rotation speed accordingly. When load exceeds a predetermined threshold, the system switches to lower speed; when load decreases, it returns to higher speed, creating a closed-loop control system that balances productivity and reliability
2Productivity
If the motor operates continuously at high load to maintain speed, then productivity is preserved, but motor durability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system takes preliminary protective action by detecting increased load before motor damage occurs. When the load reaches a predetermined level, the control unit proactively reduces rotation speed to prevent motor breakdown, thereby extending motor durability while minimizing interruption to productivity
3Reliability
If the rotation speed is reduced to lower motor load, then motor stability is improved, but image formation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than maintaining a fixed low speed, the system dynamically adjusts rotation speed based on instantaneous load conditions. The motor operates at higher speed when load is manageable and switches to lower speed only when necessary, optimizing the balance between stability and productivity in real-time
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes a motor of which driving current value changes according to a load, an image forming unit, a measuring unit, and a setting unit. The measuring unit forms an image on a medium by using a rotation body rotated by a motor. The measuring unit measures the driving current value of the motor. When a rotation speed of the motor is set to a first speed, the setting unit continues to set the first speed if the driving current value measured by the measuring unit falls within a first range. The setting unit sets a second speed lower than the first speed as the rotation speed if the driving current value measured by the measuring unit falls within a second range higher than the first range.