Variable Power Light Source for Monochrome Image Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Full-color image forming apparatuses are limited in lifespan due to the higher frequency of monochrome image formation, which leads to premature deterioration of apparatus members, particularly the light source and photoreceptor, without effective solutions to extend their lifespan in existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A full-color image forming apparatus with separate light sources for monochrome and color image formation, where the optical output of the monochrome light source is set to equal or less than that of the color light source during full-color image formation, along with a longer perimeter and higher sensitivity of the monochrome photoreceptor, to extend the lifespan of these components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of scanning lines of the laser beam is increased in monochrome image formation mode, then the image formation speed is improved, but the light source deteriorates faster
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the light source output adjustable based on image formation mode. The control unit dynamically changes the light source output according to whether monochrome or color image formation is detected, allowing optimization of both speed and lifespan through adaptive control rather than fixed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of light source output intensity based on operational mode. By adjusting the light source output parameter according to the detected image formation mode (monochrome vs. color), the system achieves faster monochrome image formation while reducing cumulative wear on the light source through lower output during color operations.
2Speed
If the inscribed radius of the polygon mirror is made smaller and the number of mirror planes is increased, then the rise time is shortened for monochrome image formation, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the polygon mirror rotation speed based on the detected image formation mode. When monochrome image formation is detected, the rotation speed is increased to shorten the rise time, while during color image formation, the standard rotation speed is used. This dynamic adjustment achieves fast response when needed without permanently increasing mechanical complexity or cost.
3Reliability
If the diameter of the photoreceptor is made larger for monochrome image formation, then the lifespan is extended, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the light source output based on the photoreceptor size and operational mode. By controlling the light output according to whether monochrome or color operations are performed, the system optimizes the utilization of the larger photoreceptor surface area, extending its lifespan through reduced cumulative exposure during color operations while maintaining compact device dimensions.
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 configuration extends the lifespan of the light source and photoreceptor for monochrome image formation, ensuring the overall lifespan of the full-color image forming apparatus is not limited by monochrome image formation, even with higher frequency, and allows for efficient formation of both full-color and monochrome images.
Implementation Method 1
a light source for monochrome image formation (21bk) for exposing a monochrome image forming photoreceptor (11bk) to light outputted therefrom
Implementation Method 2
a light source for color image formation (21y, 21m, 21c) for exposing a color image forming photoreceptor (11y, 11m, 11c) to light outputted therefrom
Implementation Method 3
exposing the monochrome image forming photoreceptor (11bk) with the light source for monochrome image formation (21bk) and exposing the color image forming photoreceptor (11y, 11m, 11c) with the light source for color image formation (21y, 21m, 21c)
Data Source
AI summary
In a full-color image forming apparatus including a light source for monochrome image formation that outputs light corresponding to monochrome image information and exposes a monochrome image forming photoreceptor and light sources for color image formation that output lights corresponding to color image information and expose photoreceptors for forming images of colors other than black, when the light source for monochrome image formation and the light sources for color image formation are caused to output the lights and a full-color image is formed, an optical output of the light source for monochrome image formation is set to become equal to or less than optical outputs of the light sources for color image formation, preferably, become less than the optical outputs of the light sources for color image formation.