Can Image Fixing Device with Reflected Light Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

In existing image fixation methods, particularly for cans containing contents, the uncontrolled application of light for image fixation can lead to an increase in temperature of the content, potentially degrading its quality.

Innovation Solution

A fixing device with a light source unit and a reflection portion that directs light to a predetermined area on the can surface, using a reflection concave surface to control light application and include a cooling unit to manage temperature, along with a rotatable can setup to ensure even fixation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If light is applied to the entire surface of the can for image fixation, then the image fixation is effective, but the temperature of the content inside the can increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage fixation qualityVSAvoidcontent temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by directing light only to the specific area on the can surface where the image needs to be fixed, rather than illuminating the entire can surface. This is achieved through the reflection portion that directs light from the light source to a predetermined area, ensuring that heat is concentrated only where needed for image fixation, thereby preventing unnecessary heating of the content inside the can.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the light application area into a predetermined target region on the can surface, separating it from the rest of the can surface. The reflection portion is configured to direct light only to this segmented area, allowing image fixation to be performed locally without heating the entire can and its contents.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Temperature

If the light application area is limited to a predetermined area, then the content temperature increase is suppressed, but the image fixation coverage is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontent temperatureVSAvoidimage fixation coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamics by making the can rotatable during the image fixation process. The can is rotated to bring different areas of its surface into the predetermined light application area sequentially, allowing the entire can surface to be covered for image fixation while maintaining limited light exposure at any given moment, thus preventing content temperature increase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses periodic action through the rotational movement of the can, which periodically brings different portions of the can surface into the light application area. This periodic exposure allows comprehensive image fixation coverage over time while maintaining controlled light exposure that prevents excessive heating of the content.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Manufacturing precision

If a reflection portion is added to control light direction, then the light application area can be precisely controlled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight application controlVSAvoidfixing device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a reflection portion as an intermediary element between the light source and the can surface. This reflection portion serves as a mediator that redirects light from the light source to the predetermined area on the can surface, enabling precise control of the light application area without requiring complex positioning mechanisms or multiple light sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with an optical solution using a reflection portion. Instead of mechanically moving the light source or the can to control the light application area, the reflection portion optically redirects the light to achieve precise area control, simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution effectively suppresses content temperature increases, improves fixation workability, and maintains content quality by controlling light application and using a cooling unit to manage temperature fluctuations.

Implementation Method 1

a light source unit that applies light to a surface of a can accommodating a content so that an image formed on the surface is fixed by heat of the light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat of light: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

a reflection portion that reflects the light from the light source unit to a predetermined area on the surface of the can

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4617786A1Fixing device and image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.09.17 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

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AI summary

A fixing device includes a light source unit that applies light to a surface of a can accommodating a content so that an image formed on the surface is fixed by heat of the light and a reflection portion that reflects the light from the light source unit to a predetermined area on the surface of the can.