Fixing Belt Elastic Layer Segmentation for Rapid Thermal Response

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing thermal fixing devices with rubber layers on the inner peripheral surfaces of fixing belts have high heat capacity, leading to slow temperature rise and potential fixing malfunctions.

Innovation Solution

A fixing device with a tubular endless belt, a heater, a nip member, and a backup member, where the elastic layer is positioned between the nip member and the belt, reducing heat capacity and enhancing temperature rise for improved fixing performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a rubber layer covers the entire inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt, then the fixing belt structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the heat capacity increases causing slow temperature rise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidtemperature rise speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The rubber layer is segmented into two distinct regions: a first rubber layer positioned at the nip region for providing elastic pressure, and a second rubber layer positioned at the heating region with lower heat capacity. This segmentation allows each region to have optimized properties for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and temperature rise speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the fixing belt are given different rubber layer properties: the nip region has a rubber layer optimized for pressure and grip, while the heating region has a rubber layer with reduced heat capacity for rapid temperature rise. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by allowing each area to have the quality needed for its specific purpose.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If a rubber layer covers the entire inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt, then the structure is simple, but the fixing performance deteriorates due to slow temperature rise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidfixing performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The rubber layer is divided into functionally distinct first and second rubber layers positioned at different regions. This segmentation improves fixing performance by enabling rapid temperature rise in the heating region while maintaining the simple overall structure of a covered fixing belt.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing belt structure implements local quality differentiation with varying rubber layer properties across different regions, achieving improved fixing performance through optimized thermal characteristics without significantly increasing overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Stability of the object's composition

If the rubber layer has high heat capacity, then it provides thermal stability, but it prevents the fixing belt temperature from rising readily

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal stabilityVSAvoidtemperature rise speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The rubber layer is segmented into a first rubber layer at the nip region providing thermal stability through elastic properties, and a second rubber layer at the heating region with reduced heat capacity for rapid temperature rise. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between thermal stability and temperature rise speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the fixing belt are given different rubber layer characteristics: the nip region maintains thermal stability while the heating region prioritizes rapid temperature rise. This local quality approach resolves the contradiction by allowing each region to optimize for its primary function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 allows for a rapid increase in temperature of the fixing belt, enhancing fixing performance by reducing heat capacity and ensuring uniform heating of the rubber layer, thus improving the thermal fixation of toner images on sheets.

Implementation Method 1

a heater disposed in the internal space and configured to generate radiant heat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiant heat: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 2

reducing heat capacity of a rubber layer (elastic layer)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat capacity reduction: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS9244409B2Fixing device having nip member with elastic layer

Publication Date: 2016.01.26 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A fixing device includes: a tubular endless belt, a heater, a nip member, an elastic layer and a backup member. The endless belt has an inner peripheral surface defining an internal space and is configured to circularly move in a moving direction. The heater is disposed in the internal space and is configured to generate radiant heat. The nip member is disposed in the internal space and spaced away from the heater. The elastic layer is fixed on the nip member and positioned between the nip member and the inner peripheral surface of the endless belt. The backup member and the nip member are configured to nip the tubular endless belt therebetween to provide a nip region between the backup member and the nip member.