Power Control Device for Fixing Heater Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power control systems for image forming apparatuses do not optimize power supply to fixing heaters, leading to inefficiencies and increased energy consumption due to individual differences in heater power consumption, which can result in prolonged startup and recovery times and decreased productivity.
Innovation Solution
A power control device that measures and corrects power supply to fixing heaters based on individual power consumption deviations, using a measurement tolerance to optimize power distribution between the fixing heater and other loads, thereby minimizing reserve power and maximizing power availability to other loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If power supply to fixing heater is increased to reduce startup and recovery times, then productivity is improved, but power consumption exceeds rated power limits
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes power supply parameters by detecting actual heater power consumption and adjusting the power supply amount in real-time. The control unit modifies power delivery based on detected values and tolerance ranges, enabling optimized power usage that reduces startup time while staying within rated power limits
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously detecting the actual power consumption of the fixing heater and using this information to adjust power supply. The control unit receives detection signals, compares them against tolerance ranges, and modifies power delivery accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes both productivity and power consumption
2Loss of energy
If power supply to fixing heater is optimized based on individual differences, then energy efficiency is improved, but measurement and control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a measurement tolerance range as an intermediary concept that simplifies control. Instead of requiring precise measurement and control of every individual heater variation, the system uses a predefined tolerance range (e.g., ±5%) as a buffer, allowing simpler control logic while still achieving energy optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial correction to measurement values within the tolerance range rather than requiring exact precision. By accepting and compensating for measurement variations up to the tolerance limit, the system reduces the complexity of measurement and control while maintaining adequate energy efficiency
Data Source
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AI summary
A power control device (400) includes measurement means (410) for measuring power supplied to a load (273); correction means (421) for correcting a measurement value measured by the measurement means based on a measurement tolerance of the measurement means; and control means (426). The control means (426) controls the power supplied to the load (273) based on a corrected power value corrected by correction means (421) and a power consumption upper limit of the load (273).