Recording Apparatus Fixing Unit Temperature Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In recording apparatuses, when an image is determined to be for inspection, the conveyance of the subsequent image is stopped, causing it to remain in the fixing unit where continuous heating can render it unusable.
Innovation Solution
A recording apparatus that includes a recording unit, a conveyance unit, a fixing unit, and an inspection unit. The conveyance unit stops the continuous recording medium based on inspection results, and after lowering the fixing unit's temperature, the medium is rewound to a predetermined position, allowing for visual inspection and preventing image deterioration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the conveyance unit stops conveyance of the continuous recording medium based on inspection results, then the image can be inspected, but the subsequent image remains in the fixing unit and is excessively heated
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary cooling of the fixing unit before stopping conveyance. By lowering the fixing unit temperature in advance, the system prevents excessive heating of subsequent images that would otherwise remain in the fixing unit during inspection, while still allowing inspection to proceed
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit monitors inspection results and dynamically adjusts conveyance state. When an image is determined to require inspection, the system feedbacks by stopping conveyance and initiating cooling of the fixing unit, creating a closed-loop control that prevents harmful heating while ensuring inspection quality
2Measurement precision
If the conveyance unit stops conveyance to allow inspection, then the image can be visually inspected, but the recording medium cannot be continuously processed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cooling of the fixing unit before stopping conveyance for inspection. This preliminary action allows the fixing unit to be safely stopped without compromising subsequent recording operations, enabling inspection while maintaining overall processing continuity
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyance unit dynamically adjusts its state based on inspection requirements. The system can stop conveyance for inspection when needed, then resume normal continuous conveyance operations, providing flexible dynamic control that balances inspection needs with productivity
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
Prevents image deterioration by stopping the conveyance of the recording medium upon inspection and rewinding it after temperature reduction, ensuring that subsequent images are not excessively heated and remain usable.
Implementation Method 1
a fixing unit configured to fix the image to the continuous recording medium by heating the image
Implementation Method 2
the conveyance unit rewinds the continuous recording medium in a second direction opposite to the first direction so that the image reaches a predetermined position
Data Source
AI summary
A recording apparatus includes a recording unit that records an image on a continuous recording medium, a conveyance unit that conveys the continuous recording medium in a first direction, a fixing unit that fixes the image to the continuous recording medium by heating the image, and an inspection unit that inspects the image fixed on the continuous recording medium by the fixing unit, wherein the conveyance unit stops conveyance of the continuous recording medium based on a result of inspection of the image performed by the inspection unit, and, after a temperature of the fixing unit is lowered to a temperature lower than or equal to a predetermined temperature, rewinds the recording medium in a second direction opposite to the first direction so that the image reaches a predetermined position.