Air Guide Member for Uniform Temperature in Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face issues with non-uniform temperature distribution due to conventional cooling structures, leading to faulty fixing and developer solidification, which affects the operation and image quality.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a guide member with angled ribs to redirect airflow from the inhaling unit to the image forming unit, distributing heat evenly and preventing direct heat transfer to the fixing unit, thus maintaining a uniform temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cool air is introduced through the inhaling port near the fixing unit to lower the inner temperature, then the temperature reduction effect is improved, but the fixing unit experiences non-uniform temperature distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member acts as an intermediary structure between the inhaling port and the fixing unit. It redirects the cool air flow path so that air flows through the image forming unit first before reaching the fixing unit, thereby mediating the temperature distribution and preventing direct cooling of the fixing unit that would cause non-uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide member预先 directs the cool air to flow through the image forming unit before it reaches the fixing unit. This preliminary action of cooling the image forming unit first prevents the cool air from directly cooling the fixing unit, thereby maintaining uniform fixing temperature while still achieving overall temperature reduction.
2Loss of energy
If the inhaling port and exhaust port are arranged near the fixing unit, then the heat discharge efficiency is improved, but the fixing unit temperature becomes non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member serves as an intermediary that modifies the air flow path between the inhaling port and the fixing unit. It ensures that cool air does not directly contact the fixing unit, thereby maintaining both heat discharge efficiency and fixing temperature uniformity.
3Reliability
If high temperature is generated in the apparatus, then the fixing function is improved, but the developer solidifies due to excessive heat
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member acts as a thermal mediator by directing cool air to flow through the image forming unit first, creating a temperature gradient that protects the developer from excessive heat while maintaining the high temperature needed for fixing in the fixing unit.
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 effectively reduces the inner temperature of the apparatus, preventing developer solidification and ensuring consistent image quality without increasing energy consumption or noise.
Implementation Method 1
a guide member installed in a moving path where air moves along between the image forming unit and the fixing unit so that air inhaled through an inhaling unit formed at one side of the main frame can be exhausted to an exhaust unit formed at the other side of the main frames, and to guide a moving direction of the air
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit to form an image on a print medium, a fixing unit to fix the image formed by the image forming unit on the print medium, and a guide member installed in a moving path where air moves along between the image forming unit and the fixing unit so that air inhaled through an inhaling unit formed at one side of a main frame can be exhausted to an exhaust unit formed at the other side of the main frames, and to guide a moving direction of the air so that the air inhaled through the inhaling unit can move to the image forming unit along the moving path.