Voltage Detection for Image Heating Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image heating devices for image forming apparatuses face challenges in adapting to different commercial power supply voltages (100 V and 200 V systems) due to variations in resistance values and rectification states, requiring complex switching mechanisms to maintain consistent heating performance.
Innovation Solution
A voltage detection device with first and second detection parts determines the time period ratios of AC power supply voltages to switch between series and parallel connections of heater conductive paths and rectification states in the AC/DC converter, allowing the image heating device to adapt to either 100 V or 200 V systems by controlling the heater and AC/DC converter operations based on detected voltage thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a relay is used to switch between series and parallel connections of heater conductive paths to adapt to different voltage systems, then the heater can operate at both 100V and 200V systems, but the device complexity increases due to the switching mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects the power supply voltage level and self-adjusts the heater connection configuration without requiring manual intervention or complex control mechanisms. The detection circuit monitors the voltage and triggers appropriate switching of the conductive paths based on detected voltage thresholds
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical relay-based switching with a semiconductor-based switching mechanism controlled by voltage detection. This substitution reduces mechanical wear, improves reliability, and simplifies the overall control system while maintaining the ability to switch between series and parallel connections
2Reliability
If the heater resistance value is changed by switching conductive paths to adapt to different voltage systems, then consistent heating performance can be maintained, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a voltage detection circuit that continuously monitors the power supply voltage and provides feedback to the control mechanism. Based on the detected voltage level, the system automatically adjusts the heater connection configuration to maintain optimal heating performance across different voltage systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical resistance parameter of the heater by reconfiguring the conductive paths between series and parallel connections. This parameter adjustment allows the heater to adapt to different voltage systems while maintaining consistent power output and heating performance
3Measurement precision
If voltage detection based on effective voltage value is used for power supply determination, then accurate voltage system identification can be achieved, but the detection complexity increases compared to peak voltage detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection mechanism that measures voltage characteristics through a detection circuit configured to identify effective voltage levels. This intermediary approach allows accurate distinction between 100V and 200V systems by analyzing voltage thresholds and time period ratios without requiring complex measurement equipment
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 solution enables the image heating device to accurately determine and adapt to different commercial voltage systems, ensuring consistent heating performance and efficient operation by switching between series and parallel heater connections and rectification states, thereby addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a heater in which a resistance heating element is formed on a substrate made of ceramics
Data Source
AI summary
The voltage detection device includes a first voltage detection part for detecting whether or not a time period ratio during which a voltage of an AC power supply is equal to or larger than a first threshold value is equal to or larger than a first ratio and a second voltage detection part for detecting whether or not a time period ratio during which the voltage of the AC power supply is lower than the first threshold value and equal to or larger than a second threshold value is equal to or larger than a second ratio higher than the first ratio, and determines whether the voltage of the AC power supply is a first commercial voltage or a second commercial voltage lower than the first commercial voltage based on results obtained by the first voltage detection part and by the second voltage detection part.