Fixation Belt Reflector Unit Heat Radiation Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

The reflective performance of the reflective plate in fixation devices deteriorates at higher temperatures, leading to inefficient heat transfer in electrophotographic image formation apparatuses.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a radiation member on the opposite side of the reflective member in the reflector unit to radiate heat away from the reflective member, preventing excessive temperature increase and maintaining reflective performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a reflective plate is used to reflect heat from the heat source to the fixation belt, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but the reflective performance deteriorates at higher temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat transfer efficiencyVSAvoidreflective performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a radiation member as an intermediary between the reflective plate and the fixation belt. This radiation member absorbs heat from the reflective plate and radiates it to the fixation belt, preventing the reflective plate from reaching temperatures that would degrade its reflective performance while maintaining efficient heat transfer to the belt

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the thermal parameters of the system by introducing a radiation member with specific thermal properties. This member has high heat absorption capability and appropriate radiation characteristics, allowing the system to operate at optimal temperature ranges where the reflective plate maintains its reflective performance while still achieving effective heating of the fixation belt

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 configuration effectively suppresses the deterioration of reflective performance, ensuring consistent heat transfer and image fixation quality in electrophotographic image formation apparatuses.

Implementation Method 1

a reflector unit that reflects heat from the heat source to the belt. The reflector unit includes a reflective member that reflects the heat from the heat source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a radiation member that is disposed on an opposite side to a side of the reflective member facing the heat source, and that radiates heat of the reflective member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS9760047B2Fixation device and image formation apparatus having a reflector unit reflecting heat from a heat source to belt

Publication Date: 2017.09.12 OKI ELECTRIC INDUSTRY CO LTD

AI summary

A fixation device includes a fixation belt, a heat source that heats the fixation belt, and a reflector unit that reflects heat from the heat source to the belt. The reflector unit includes a reflective member that reflects the heat from the heat source, and a radiation member that is disposed on an opposite side to a side of the reflective member facing the heat source, and that radiates heat of the reflective member.