Image Forming Apparatus Polygon Mirror Timing Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses struggle to synchronize the output of a print enable signal with ambient atmospheric pressure changes, affecting the stability and timing of polygon mirror rotation, leading to variations in printing accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus equipped with an acquiring unit to measure atmospheric pressure and a control device that adjusts the timing of the print enable signal based on the acquired pressure data, using a storage unit to define stabilization times for different pressure levels, and incorporating a PLL control for motor management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the image forming apparatus uses a fixed timing for outputting the print enable signal regardless of atmospheric pressure, then the control system remains simple, but the printing accuracy deteriorates due to polygon mirror rotation instability
Solution Approach 1:
The control device stores multiple predetermined timings for outputting the print enable signal in advance, corresponding to different atmospheric pressure ranges. Before printing, the apparatus measures the atmospheric pressure and selects the appropriate predetermined timing, avoiding complex real-time calculations while ensuring accurate timing adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the timing parameter of the print enable signal based on atmospheric pressure measurements. By dividing atmospheric pressure into ranges and assigning different predetermined timings to each range, the system adapts to environmental changes without requiring complex control algorithms
2Manufacturing precision
If the apparatus adjusts the print enable signal timing according to atmospheric pressure, then the printing accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensing and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple predetermined timings are stored in advance for different atmospheric pressure conditions. The control device simply measures the current pressure, identifies the corresponding range, and selects the pre-defined timing, eliminating the need for complex real-time adjustment algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts to atmospheric pressure changes by selecting from multiple predetermined timings based on measured pressure values. This dynamic adjustment uses a simple lookup approach rather than complex calculations, maintaining low system complexity while achieving adaptive control
3Stability of the object's composition
If the apparatus uses a long waiting period for polygon mirror stabilization, then the rotation stability improves, but the productivity decreases due to increased user waiting time
Solution Approach 1:
The waiting period parameter is changed based on atmospheric pressure conditions. The control device measures atmospheric pressure and selects from multiple predetermined timings, allowing the system to use shorter waiting periods when appropriate (reducing user wait time) while maintaining sufficient stabilization when needed
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple predetermined timings are prepared in advance for different pressure conditions. The control device quickly determines the appropriate timing based on measured pressure and implements it immediately, avoiding both excessive waiting and insufficient stabilization
4Productivity
If the apparatus uses a short waiting period for polygon mirror stabilization, then the productivity improves, but the printing accuracy deteriorates due to insufficient rotation stabilization
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization waiting period is adjusted as a variable parameter based on atmospheric pressure measurements. The control device selects from multiple predetermined timings corresponding to different pressure ranges, ensuring sufficient stabilization time is used when needed while minimizing wait time when atmospheric conditions allow
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the waiting period based on real-time atmospheric pressure measurements. By using multiple predetermined timings and selecting the appropriate one based on current pressure conditions, the system achieves both fast response when possible and adequate stabilization when required
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
The solution ensures the print enable signal is output at the appropriate timing, reducing user waiting time and improving printing stability by accounting for atmospheric pressure fluctuations, thereby enhancing printing accuracy and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an acquiring unit configured to acquire atmosphere pressure in an installation place of the image forming apparatus
Implementation Method 2
a polygon mirror configured to be rotatable. The polygon mirror exposes the photoconductors by reflecting the laser light toward the photoconductors while rotating
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an acquiring unit configured to acquire atmosphere pressure in the installation place of the image forming apparatus, photoconductors, light sources configured to radiate laser light, and a polygon mirror configured to be rotatable. The polygon mirror exposes the photoconductors by reflecting the laser light toward the photoconductors while rotating. The image forming apparatus further includes a control device configured to control rotation of the polygon mirror. The control device outputs an enable signal for allowing the image forming apparatus to perform printing, if rotation of the polygon mirror is stabilized after start of the rotation, and advances the timing of outputting the enable signal as the atmosphere pressure increases.