Print Fixing Temperature Control Using Media Thermal Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing apparatuses struggle to optimize heating processes for fixing images on various printing media without causing deformation, as the optimal heating temperature depends on the material and thickness of the medium, and existing methods for determining this temperature are inaccurate.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with a measuring unit to measure the length of the printing medium at multiple temperatures, including a glass transition point, and a determining unit to calculate the optimal fixation temperature based on these measurements, using coefficients to predict deformation accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the heating temperature is increased to promote solvent evaporation and film formation, then the image fixation is improved, but the printing medium may deform due to molecular structure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by measuring the printing medium's length at multiple temperatures (including glass transition point and higher) to determine how the medium responds to thermal stress. Based on these measurements, the system calculates an optimal fixation temperature that balances adequate heating for reliable image fixation while staying below the deformation threshold specific to each printing medium type.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the heating temperature is optimized for each printing medium type, then the deformation is minimized, but the device complexity increases due to required temperature measurement and determination processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the printing apparatus to automatically measure its own printing medium's thermal response characteristics and determine the optimal fixation temperature without external intervention. The system uses built-in measurement capabilities to assess the printing medium's length changes at different temperatures and autonomously calculates the appropriate fixation parameters, eliminating the need for manual setup or complex external measurement equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback by using the measured length data of the printing medium at various temperatures to inform and adjust the fixation temperature determination. The system continuously monitors the printing medium's response to heat and uses this feedback to optimize the fixation process, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to different printing medium types automatically.
3Ease of operation
If stepwise temperature measurement is used to determine fixation temperature, then the measurement process is simplified, but the prediction accuracy of deformation amount decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the temperature measurement process into specific discrete steps focused on critical temperature points (glass transition point and temperatures above it). Rather than continuous measurement, the system measures at strategically selected temperature segments that provide sufficient data to accurately predict deformation behavior and determine optimal fixation temperature, balancing measurement simplicity with prediction accuracy.
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
Accurately determines the optimal fixation temperature for different printing media, minimizing deformation and ensuring reliable image fixation.
Implementation Method 1
a fixing unit that fixes an image onto a printing medium by heating the printing medium on which the image is printed
Implementation Method 2
measuring unit that measures each of a length of the printing medium at a first temperature, a length of the printing medium after heating of the printing medium in the fixing unit at a second temperature, and a length of the printing medium after heating of the printing medium in the fixing unit at a third temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus includes a fixing unit configured to fix an image onto a printing medium by heating the printing medium on which the image is printed, a measuring unit configured to measure each of a length of the printing medium at a first temperature, a length of the printing medium after heating of the printing medium in the fixing unit at a second temperature being a glass transition point of a material of the printing medium, and a length of the printing medium after heating of the printing medium in the fixing unit at a third temperature, and a determining unit configured to determine a fixation temperature to be used for the printing medium, based on the measured lengths.