Fixing Device Contact Member Heat Transfer Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing fixing devices, heat escapes from the end portions of the nip member to the reflection member, leading to insufficient temperatures at the edge portions of the endless belt during the initial heating process, affecting printing quality.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device design featuring a contact member with distinct heat transfer coefficients across different portions, where the first portion extends across the maximum image forming area and the second portion is outside this area, minimizing heat loss to the edge portions of the belt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the reflection member is in contact with the nip member across substantially one end to substantially the other end in the longitudinal direction, then the reflection member can effectively reflect radiant heat towards the nip member, but heat escapes from the end portions of the nip member to the reflection member causing insufficient temperatures at the edge portions of the endless belt
Solution Approach 1:
The contact member is segmented into a first portion and a second portion with different heat transfer coefficients. The first portion has a higher heat transfer coefficient for effective heat reflection, while the second portion has a lower heat transfer coefficient to prevent heat escape at the edges, thus resolving the contradiction between heat reflection efficiency and edge temperature maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the contact member are given different thermal properties. The first portion (across the width of the nip) has high heat transfer coefficient for effective heat reflection, while the second portion (at the end portions) has low heat transfer coefficient to prevent heat escape, thereby maintaining edge temperatures while preserving overall heat reflection efficiency.
2Loss of energy
If the contact member has high heat transfer coefficient across the entire width, then heat transfer from the nip member is efficient, but heat loss to the edge portions increases reducing printing quality
Solution Approach 1:
The contact member is divided into segments with different thermal characteristics. The first portion allows efficient heat transfer for energy utilization, while the second portion at the edges minimizes heat loss to prevent temperature insufficiency that would degrade printing quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact member exhibits non-uniform thermal properties across its width. The central first portion has high heat transfer coefficient for efficient energy transfer, while the edge second portion has low heat transfer coefficient to prevent harmful heat loss, thereby maintaining printing 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
This configuration ensures that the edge portions of the endless belt maintain sufficient temperatures during printing, enhancing the thermal fixation process and overall printing quality.
Implementation Method 1
A heat transfer coefficient per unit dimension between the nip member and the second portion in the axial direction is smaller than a heat transfer coefficient per unit dimension between the nip member and the first portion in the axial direction
Implementation Method 2
a reflection member that reflects radiant heat from the heating element towards the nip member
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device may include an endless belt and a nip member in contact with an inner peripheral surface of the endless belt. The fixing device may further include a backup member that nips the endless belt together with the nip member. The fixing device may include a contact member disposed opposite the backup member with the nip member therebetween. The contact member may be in contact with the nip member. The contact member may include a first portion that extends across a width of a maximum image forming area and a second portion positioned outside the width of the maximum image forming area and inside a width of the nip in an axial direction of the endless belt. A heat transfer coefficient per unit dimension between the nip member and the second portion may be smaller than that between the nip member and the first portion.