Annealed Stainless Steel Fiber Heating Element for Stable Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermal-film fixation type fixing devices in image forming apparatuses face issues with resistance value stability over time, leading to uneven fixing due to changes in resistance values of the heating belts.
Innovation Solution
A process for producing a heating element by dispersing annealed stainless-steel fibers in a heat-resistant resin, such as polyimide, which provides stable resistance values by removing internal strain through annealing treatment, ensuring dimensional stability and efficient heat generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional heating belts are used, then initial resistance value can be reduced, but resistance value increases with time leading to uneven fixing
Solution Approach 1:
The stainless steel fibers are subjected to annealing treatment before being incorporated into the heating belt. This preliminary annealing action removes internal strains and stabilizes the fiber structure in advance, preventing resistance value changes during subsequent service life, thus resolving the contradiction between initial resistance reduction and long-term stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and microstructure of the stainless steel fibers through annealing treatment, transforming them from a strained state to a stabilized state. This parameter change in the fiber's internal structure ensures long-term resistance stability while maintaining good initial resistance characteristics
2Loss of energy
If heating belt is used for extended period, then energy saving and short warming-up time are achieved, but resistance value changes cause uneven fixing
Solution Approach 1:
Annealing treatment is performed on the stainless steel fibers before belt formation to remove internal strains. This preliminary action ensures that the fibers maintain stable resistance values during extended operation, preventing uneven fixing while allowing the heating belt to be used for extended periods for energy saving
3Reliability
If stainless-steel fiber is dispersed in heat-resistant resin, then resistance stability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the annealing treatment to change the physical and chemical properties of the stainless steel fibers, making them more compatible with the heat-resistant resin matrix. This parameter change simplifies the dispersion process and reduces manufacturing complexity while achieving superior resistance stability
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
The heating element maintains stable resistance values and dimensional stability, preventing uneven fixing and ensuring high-quality image formation over a long period, with a volume resistivity range of 0.08×10−4 to 10.00×10−4 Ωcm and a resistance change rate within acceptable limits.
Implementation Method 1
dispersing a stainless-steel fiber subjected to annealing treatment in a heat-resistant resin
Implementation Method 2
a heating belt (heating element) that generates heat in response to supply of electricity to the heating belt
Data Source
AI summary
An endless-belt shaped heating element is produced by: dispersing annealed stainless-steel fibers in the heat-resistant resin or a precursor thereof; and, producing a molded article of the heat-resistant resin in which the annealed stainless-steel fibers are dispersed.