Endless Belt Temperature Control via Dynamic Heat Conduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and increased power consumption of using multiple thermopile sensors and pipe-shaped heat conduction members in image forming apparatuses for temperature equalization of endless belts, which can lead to inefficient temperature control and potential image defects due to surface temperature variations.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a first and second temperature measurement sensor, an atmosphere temperature measurement sensor, a threshold value determination section, and a heat conduction member control section, which determines the abutting condition for a pipe-shaped heat conduction member to equalize the surface temperature of the endless belt based on atmosphere and surface temperatures, minimizing unnecessary abutment and reducing temperature increases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple thermopile sensors are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the fixing section to measure surface temperature, then temperature measurement accuracy is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive thermopile sensors with infrared sensors that detect thermal radiation from the endless belt. Multiple infrared sensors are arranged to measure temperatures at different positions, creating a cost-effective copying solution that achieves the same temperature measurement function without using costly thermopile technology
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes contact-based thermopile sensors with non-contact infrared sensing. The infrared sensors detect temperature through thermal radiation without physical contact, replacing the mechanical/thermal coupling approach of thermopile sensors with an optical field-based measurement system
2Stability of the object's composition
If a pipe-shaped heat conduction member abuts against the endless belt to equalize surface temperature, then temperature uniformity is improved, but power consumption increases due to excessive heat conduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the heat conduction member dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The member can be moved closer to or farther from the endless belt based on detected temperature conditions, allowing the system to optimize heat conduction only when necessary for temperature equalization, thereby reducing unnecessary energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the heat conduction member by adjusting its position relative to the endless belt. By varying the distance between the heat conduction member and the belt surface, the system controls the degree of thermal interaction, enabling temperature equalization while minimizing energy waste
3Stability of the object's composition
If the pipe-shaped heat conduction member continuously abuts against the endless belt for temperature equalization, then temperature uniformity is improved, but temperature increases at end parts occur leading to image defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where infrared sensors continuously monitor the surface temperature of the endless belt, and based on this feedback, the control unit adjusts the position of the heat conduction member. When temperature differences are detected, the heat conduction member is positioned to equalize temperatures; when temperatures are already uniform, the member is retracted, preventing excessive heat conduction and end-part overheating
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic temperature measurement and conditional heat conduction activation rather than continuous operation. The system periodically checks temperature conditions and activates the heat conduction member only when temperature equalization is needed, creating a pulsed or intermittent operation mode that prevents continuous heat input and resulting temperature increases
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 reduces the number of high-cost thermopile sensors needed, minimizes power consumption, and effectively suppresses temperature increases at the end parts of the endless belt, preventing image defects and machine failures, while maintaining efficient temperature equalization.
Implementation Method 1
a thermopile sensor measures a surface temperature of an endless belt included in the fixing section
Implementation Method 2
A pipe-shaped heat conduction member abuts against the endless belt depending on the measured temperature. In this way, temperature equalization of the surface temperature of the endless belt is achieved
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus comprises a first sensor configured to measure a first temperature indicating a surface temperature of an endless belt for fixing a developing agent adhering to a sheet; a second sensor configured to measure a second temperature indicating a surface temperature of an end part of the endless belt; an atmosphere temperature measurement sensor configured to measure an atmosphere temperature indicating a temperature around the image forming apparatus; a threshold value temperature determination section configured to determine, based on the atmosphere temperature and the first temperature, an abutting condition as a condition under which a heat conduction member for executing temperature equalization of the surface temperature of the endless belt abuts against the endless belt; and a heat conduction member control section configured to enable the heat conduction member to abut against the endless belt if the second temperature meets the abutting condition.