Variable Suction Filter for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently trapping ultrafine particles, leading to unwanted emissions, as high suction rates result in particle slip-through while low rates impair sheet conveyance and increase energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a variable suction section, a filter, and a control unit that adjusts the suction rate and path switching based on temperature and humidity to optimize particle trapping efficiency, ensuring that the exhaust path is only opened when the suction rate is below a predetermined value, thereby minimizing particle discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the suction rate is increased to improve particle trapping efficiency, then particle trapping efficiency is improved, but ultrafine particles may pass through the filter and be discharged
Solution Approach 1:
The suction rate is made variable rather than fixed, allowing the system to dynamically adjust the suction rate based on operating conditions. The control unit varies the suction rate within a predetermined range to optimize particle trapping efficiency while preventing ultrafine particle discharge through the filter.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the suction rate parameter within a predetermined range to achieve optimal particle trapping. By adjusting this parameter dynamically, the system maintains high trapping efficiency for fine particles while avoiding conditions that would cause ultrafine particles to pass through the filter.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the suction rate is decreased to prevent particle discharge, then particle trapping efficiency is improved, but sheet conveyance stability is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The suction rate is dynamically adjusted rather than maintained at a fixed low level. The control unit varies the suction rate within a predetermined range, ensuring it remains high enough to maintain sheet conveyance stability while low enough to prevent ultrafine particle discharge.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction rate parameter is optimized within a predetermined range, balancing two competing requirements: maintaining sufficient suction for stable sheet conveyance while limiting suction strength to prevent ultrafine particle discharge. The control unit adjusts this parameter based on operating conditions.
3Reliability
If the suction rate is increased to improve particle trapping, then particle trapping efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction rate is optimized within a predetermined range to achieve effective particle trapping without excessive energy consumption. The control unit adjusts the suction rate parameter to maintain the minimum effective level needed for trapping fine particles while avoiding higher rates that would waste energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction rate is dynamically varied within a predetermined range based on actual particle trapping needs rather than maintaining a constantly high rate. This dynamic adjustment improves particle trapping efficiency when needed while reducing energy consumption during normal operation.
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 significantly enhances particle trapping efficiency, reducing emissions while maintaining stable sheet conveyance and energy efficiency by adjusting the suction rate and path switching according to environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a suction section configured to suck air including the particles at a variable suction rate
Implementation Method 2
a filter member configured to trap particles floating in the image forming apparatus
Implementation Method 3
a switching member configured to make switches between the exhaust path and the circulation path
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus having: a filter member configured to trap particles floating in the apparatus; a suction section configured to suck air including the particles at a variable suction rate; a determiner configured to determine the suction rate of the suction section; an exhaust path capable of leading the air sucked by the suction section to outside of the apparatus through the filter member; a circulation path capable of allowing the air sucked by the suction section and passing through the filter member to circulate inside the apparatus; a switching member configured to make switches between the exhaust path and the circulation path; and a control unit configured to control at least the suction section and the switching member. The control unit allows the switching member to open the exhaust path only when the suction rate determined by the determiner is equal to or less than a predetermined value.