Contact Member Temperature Detection for Image Fixing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Detecting the temperature of transparent recording materials without causing scratches, as direct contact methods are likely to result in damage, while non-contact methods struggle to accurately measure the temperature.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus with a contact member that moves with the recording material and a temperature detection unit to monitor the contact member's temperature, allowing for controlled heating unit output based on detected temperature, preventing direct contact with the recording material.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a contact sensor is used to detect the temperature of the recording material, then the temperature can be detected, but scratches are likely to be formed on the recording material

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature detection accuracyVSAvoidscratches on recording material

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a contact member as an intermediary between the temperature detection unit and the recording material. The contact member is in direct contact with the recording material to transfer heat, while the temperature detection unit detects the temperature of the contact member indirectly. This mediator approach allows accurate temperature detection without the detection unit directly touching and scratching the recording material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a non-contact sensor is used to detect the temperature of the recording material, then scratches are avoided, but it is difficult to detect the temperature of transparent recording materials

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveavoidance of scratchesVSAvoidtemperature detection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The contact member serves as a mediator that the temperature detection unit can detect without difficulty. The contact member has thermal properties that make it detectable by the temperature detection unit, while its contact with the transparent recording material allows heat transfer. This resolves the issue of detecting transparent materials by providing an intermediary with detectable thermal characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct mechanical contact between the detection unit and recording material with thermal contact through the contact member. The temperature detection unit detects thermal energy from the contact member rather than directly from the recording material, substituting a mechanical detection approach with a thermal detection approach that works effectively for transparent materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If the contact member is stationary, then the structure is simple, but the temperature detection is inaccurate due to relative motion between the contact member and recording material

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontact member structureVSAvoidtemperature detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The contact member is designed to rotate about its axis while maintaining contact with the recording material. This dynamic configuration allows the contact member to follow the motion of the recording material, ensuring continuous thermal contact and accurate temperature detection without requiring the contact member to be stationary or complexly positioned.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Effectively heats the recording material to a predetermined temperature without causing scratches, ensuring accurate temperature detection and efficient image fixation while maintaining the integrity of the transparent material.

Implementation Method 1

a temperature detection unit that detects a temperature of the contact member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a heating unit that heats a recording material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS9933731B2Temperature detection for a fixing system of an image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2018.04.03 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes a heating unit that heats a recording material, a contact member that is positioned upstream or downstream from the heating unit in a transport direction of the recording material and is in contact with the recording material, the contact member being configured in such a manner that a portion of the contact member that is in contact with the recording material moves with the recording material, a temperature detection unit that detects a temperature of the contact member, and a control unit that controls, based on a detection result obtained by the temperature detection unit, an output of the heating unit.