Image Forming Apparatus with Temperature-Based Fixing Power Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses lack accurate estimation of power consumption, leading to inefficiencies in power management and user awareness of energy usage.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a fixing module equipped with a heating element and temperature sensor, along with a processor to control power supply based on temperature, accurately measures and accumulates power consumption values for each module, enabling precise tracking of total power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If power consumption is estimated based on data amount of print data and monochrome/color print settings, then power consumption management can be implemented, but estimation accuracy is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image forming apparatus into multiple functional modules (fixing module, image forming module, conveying module, etc.), and measures power consumption for each module separately. This segmentation enables accurate tracking of power usage by specific components while maintaining manageable measurement complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a power consumption measurement unit as an intermediary component that interfaces between the power supply system and the control unit. This mediator captures actual power consumption data from each module and transmits it to the control unit for accumulation and management, simplifying the overall measurement system while improving accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If power consumption is measured for each module, then accurate accumulated power consumption can be acquired, but measurement and data management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs multiple functions: it controls the power consumption measurement unit, accumulates power consumption data from all modules, manages power allocation, and provides user interface functionality. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, simplifying the system while maintaining accurate per-module power measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the power consumption measurement, data accumulation, and power management functions into an integrated system where the control unit centrally manages all power-related operations. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies data management while achieving accurate power consumption tracking.
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
Accurate power consumption tracking allows users to make informed decisions on energy-saving modes, reducing overall energy consumption and enhancing user awareness.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element configured to heat the toner image
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of the heating element
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus determines a control value for controlling a temperature detected by a temperature sensor to meet or approach a target temperature, adjusts an electric power supplied to a heating element in accordance with a control value, acquires a power consumption value of a fixing module in a time period during which the heating element is generating heat, based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, the control value, a current supplied to the heating element, or a voltage applied to the heating element, and acquires an accumulated power consumption amount of the fixing module by accumulating a plurality of the power consumption values acquired at a plurality of times.