Sensor Power Control for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses waste energy by resuming power to sensors immediately when switching from a power-saving state to an image formation state, even if the heat fixing device has not reached the necessary temperature to form an image.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a heating means, a heating temperature sensor, and a sensor power control system that interrupts power to non-fixation operation state sensors until the heating means reaches a predetermined temperature necessary for image formation, ensuring power is only supplied when image formation is feasible.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power supply is quickly resumed to sensors when switching from power-saving state to image formation state, then sensors can detect conditions immediately, but energy is wasted by supplying power to sensors before the heating means reaches the necessary temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit checks whether the heating means has reached the necessary temperature before resuming power to the sensors. This preliminary check prevents unnecessary power consumption by ensuring that sensors only receive power when the heating means is ready to form images, thus avoiding energy waste while maintaining sensor functionality when needed.
2Loss of energy
If power supply is interrupted to sensors during power-saving state, then energy consumption is reduced, but power must be quickly restored when image formation is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the temperature of the heating means and uses this feedback information to determine when to restore power to the sensors. This feedback mechanism ensures that power is restored at the optimal moment - neither too early (wasting energy) nor too late (causing delays) - thereby balancing energy savings with operational readiness.
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 achieves more effective energy-saving by preventing unnecessary power supply to sensors during non-fixation operation states, optimizing energy usage by ensuring power is only restored when the apparatus can form images effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a heating means which fixes a toner image formed on a recording medium
Implementation Method 2
a heating temperature sensor which detects the temperature of the heating means
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus is disclosed which interrupts the power supply to the sensors that are used during image formation when it is impossible to form an image, thereby allowing the image forming apparatus so save energy more effectively. The image forming apparatus controls the power supply to sensors that are used during image formation, other than a heating temperature sensor and fixation control sensors, such that the image forming apparatus interrupts the power supply when switched to the non-fixation operation control state, and supplies power when switched to the fixation operation control state and the temperature detected by the heating temperature sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined temperature near the fixation temperature.