Fixation Roller Heating via External Heat Belt
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image heating apparatuses face challenges in maintaining stable temperature of the fixation roller, especially when handling thick recording media, leading to inefficiencies in toner fixation and image quality issues.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an external heat belt system that can be tensioned and positioned to maintain airtight contact with the fixation roller, utilizing upstream and downstream rollers to provide supplemental heat and maintain consistent temperature through a controlled mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If an external heat belt is used to heat the fixation roller, then heating efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the external heat belt with the existing fixation roller system, integrating the heating function into the existing structure. The heat belt is wrapped around the fixation roller and heated by heating elements, merging the heating mechanism with the roller assembly to improve heating efficiency without requiring a completely separate system
Solution Approach 2:
The external heat belt acts as an intermediary between the heating elements and the fixation roller. It transfers heat from the heating elements to the roller surface, enabling efficient heat transfer while maintaining the structural integrity of the existing fixation system
2Productivity
If the fixation roller temperature is increased to handle thick recording media, then processing capability is improved, but temperature stability becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates temperature detection means that continuously monitor the fixation roller temperature and provide feedback to the control system. Based on this feedback, the heating elements adjust their power output to maintain the roller at the optimal temperature, enabling stable temperature control even when processing thick recording media that require higher temperatures
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes heating parameters based on the detected temperature and processing requirements. When thick media are detected or temperature drops, the heating power is increased; when temperature is sufficient, heating is reduced or stopped, maintaining optimal temperature stability across varying processing conditions
3Stability of the object's composition
If external heating means are added to maintain temperature stability, then temperature control is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating elements are nested within or around the fixation roller structure, and the heat belt is wrapped around the roller. This nesting arrangement allows the heating components to occupy minimal space within the existing device footprint, improving temperature control without significantly increasing overall device size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a thin flexible heat belt instead of bulky heating components. The heat belt can be wrapped around the fixation roller in a compact manner, providing effective heating while occupying minimal space and maintaining a compact device overall
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 enhances the stability and efficiency of the fixation process, ensuring consistent image quality and reducing the need for increased device size, while maintaining the external heat belt's stability and service life.
Implementation Method 1
an external heat belt which is suspended, and kept stretched, by upstream and downstream rollers... placed in contact with the fixation roller... heats the fixation roller
Data Source
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AI summary
An image heating apparatus comprising first and second rotatable members for heating a toner image therebetween; an endless belt for heating the first rotatable member while being rotated by the first rotatable member; first and second rollers provided inside the endless belt in this order along a rotational moving direction of the first rotatable member and for urging the endless belt toward the first rotatable member; a holding mechanism for rotatably holding the first and second rollers, the first roller being movable relative to the second roller; an urging mechanism for urging the holding mechanism toward the first rotatable member; and an urging member for urging the first roller in a direction away from the second roller.