Thermal Fixing Device Temperature Control via Segmented Calculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional temperature control methods for thermal fixing devices in image forming apparatuses require large tables of data to account for various recording medium characteristics, leading to practical challenges in maintaining consistent fixing quality due to the complexity of thermal phenomena and real-time calculation difficulties.
Innovation Solution
The method separates temperature calculations into pre-printing and real-time stages, using an improved algorithm to calculate the recording medium's temperature after fixing without direct measurement, allowing for accurate control of the fixing device's heat source based on calculated temperature vectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional temperature control methods use large tables of data to account for various recording medium characteristics, then fixing quality can be maintained, but computational complexity increases and real-time calculation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the temperature control process into two distinct stages: a pre-computation stage where a temperature model is created using finite element method calculations, and a real-time stage where the pre-computed model is applied. This segmentation separates the computationally intensive work from the real-time operation, reducing computational complexity during actual printing while maintaining fixing quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary computation of the temperature model before actual printing operations. The finite element method calculations and table generation are done in advance, storing the results for rapid retrieval during real-time temperature control. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex real-time calculations, resolving the contradiction between reliability and computational complexity.
2Measurement precision
If direct measurement of recording medium temperature is used, then accurate temperature control is achieved, but measurement and control difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a temperature model as an intermediary between the heater and the recording medium. Instead of directly measuring the difficult-to-access recording medium temperature, the system measures the heater temperature and uses the pre-computed temperature model to calculate the recording medium temperature. This intermediary approach maintains measurement precision while avoiding the difficulties of direct measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the physical measurement approach (direct temperature sensing of the recording medium) with a computational approach (calculating temperature based on heater temperature and pre-computed models). This substitution eliminates the need for complex measurement systems while maintaining temperature control 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
This approach enables real-time accurate calculation and control of the recording medium's temperature, stabilizing fixing quality and reducing the computational burden, thus overcoming the limitations of previous methods.
Implementation Method 1
a fixing member such as a fixing belt is heated by supplying power to a heater as a fixing heat source
Implementation Method 2
the heat is used to heat and melt the toner image to be fixed onto the recording medium
Implementation Method 3
separating calculations of calculating the temperature of the recording medium after fixing into first-stage calculations to be performed before start of printing and second-stage calculations to be performed in real time during the printing
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature control method of calculating a temperature of a recording medium after fixing and used in a thermal fixing device includes separating calculations of calculating the temperature of the recording medium after fixing into first-stage calculations to be performed before start of printing and second-stage calculations to be performed in real time during the printing, performing the first-stage calculations, and performing the second-stage calculations to calculate a result of the temperature of the recording medium after fixing. Further, the result of the temperature of the recording medium after fixing is used to control obtaining a desired temperature of the recording medium after fixing, and the temperature of the recording medium after fixing is calculated without directly measuring the temperature of the recording medium after fixing.