Fixing Device Cover Recess Rib Airflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, non-contact temperature sensors used in fixing devices are prone to condensation due to air currents containing water vapor, leading to inaccurate temperature detection of the fixing member or rotator.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device cover with a recess and a rib structure is designed to direct air currents containing water vapor away from the non-contact temperature sensor, creating an air duct that reduces condensation and stabilizes the air flow, allowing precise temperature detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If no shield is provided for the non-contact temperature sensor, then the sensor can detect temperature without obstruction, but air current containing water vapor reaches the sensor causing condensation and detection errors
Solution Approach 1:
A shield member is introduced as an intermediary component between the non-contact temperature sensor and the air current containing water vapor. The shield has a through-hole that allows infrared light to pass through to the sensor while blocking the harmful air current, thus preventing condensation without obstructing temperature detection
Solution Approach 2:
The shield member is designed with a through-hole at a specific location to create local quality differentiation. The shield blocks harmful air current in most areas while maintaining transparency to infrared light through the through-hole, allowing selective passage of beneficial radiation while blocking harmful fluid flow
2Reliability
If a shield is added to protect the sensor from air current, then condensation is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shield member is integrated into the existing fixing device cover structure, serving multiple functions: protecting the sensor from air current, guiding air flow away from the sensor, and maintaining structural integrity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective components
Solution Approach 2:
The shield member is combined with the fixing device cover in an integrated design, where the shield forms part of the cover structure rather than being a separate standalone component. This merging reduces assembly complexity and the overall number of parts while maintaining protective functionality
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 effectively prevents condensation on the non-contact temperature sensor, ensuring accurate temperature detection of the fixing device components, thereby improving the reliability of temperature measurement.
Implementation Method 1
a non-contact temperature sensor (e.g., a thermopile) that detects the temperature of a detected object
Implementation Method 2
an air current, that contains water vapor generated from a sheet heated during printing, to reach the non-contact temperature sensor easily
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a rotator that rotates and a fixing device cover. The fixing device cover includes an interior face that is disposed opposite the rotator, a first aperture that is disposed opposite the rotator, and a recess that surrounds the first aperture and extends in a gravity direction. A frame is interposed between the interior face of the fixing device cover and the rotator. The frame includes a second aperture that is disposed opposite the rotator and the first aperture. A rib is mounted on the frame and extends from the second aperture toward the interior face of the fixing device cover.