Optical Fixing Member Surface Detection for Image Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses lack effective detection methods for surface conditions of fixing members, particularly scratches caused by sheet recording media, leading to fixing failures and image quality issues.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus equipped with a surface information detecting device that radiates optical spots on the fixing member surface in a direction crossing the conveying direction, detects reflective light, and analyzes the results to determine surface information, including scratch depth and width, to assess the condition of the fixing member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cleaning unit, peeling claw, or thermistor physically contacts the fixing member surface to remove adhered toner or detect temperature, then the function is performed, but the surface of the fixing member is abraded or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based detection (peeling claw, thermistor) and cleaning (brush) methods with an optical detection system. The optical sensor detects surface conditions including scratches and adhered toner without physical contact, eliminating the abrasion and damage caused by mechanical contact while maintaining reliable detection and cleaning functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical fields as an intermediary between the detection/cleaning system and the fixing member surface. The optical sensor uses reflected light to detect surface conditions, and the optical cleaning unit uses light to remove adhered toner, avoiding direct mechanical contact and the associated surface damage
2Reliability
If the surface of the fixing member is damaged by physical contact, then the fixing member cannot exercise its function, but replacing the fixing member causes loss of time and resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary detection of surface conditions using the optical sensor before damage occurs. By detecting scratches and surface degradation early, the system can perform maintenance or replacement before the fixing member fails, reducing unexpected downtime and extending the operational life of the fixing member
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor provides continuous feedback on the surface condition of the fixing member. This feedback loop enables real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, allowing the system to detect degradation trends and schedule maintenance proactively rather than reactively, reducing overall maintenance time and costs
3Reliability
If no surface detection method is used, then the device complexity is low, but scratches and surface issues are not detected, leading to fixing failures
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor system serves multiple functions: detecting scratches, detecting adhered toner, and monitoring surface conditions. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single optical detection mechanism, avoiding the need for multiple separate sensors and reducing overall system complexity while improving fixing quality through comprehensive surface monitoring
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 approach enables precise detection of scratches and other surface issues, preventing fixing failures, maintaining image quality, and extending the life of the fixing member by allowing for timely maintenance and surface conditioning.
Implementation Method 1
radiates a plurality of optical spots on a surface of the fixing member in a direction crossing a conveying direction, receives and detects a reflected light of each optical spot
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a charging device configured to uniformly charge a surface of a photoconductive element; an image writing device configured to write an image in the charged photoconductive element by light to form an electrostatic latent image; a developing device configured to visualize the formed electrostatic latent image as a toner image; a transfer device configured to transfer the toner image to a sheet recording medium; a fixing device configured to fix the transferred toner image onto the medium; and a surface information detecting device configured to detect surface information of a fixing member of the fixing device. The surface information detecting device radiates optical spots on a surface of the fixing member in a direction crossing a conveying direction, receives reflected light of each optical spot, and detects the surface information of the fixing device based on the detection results of the reflective lights.