Fixing Device Thermal Cutoff Relocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fixing devices with thermal cutoffs inside the endless belt require increased space, leading to a larger physical size due to the need for space within the belt for the thermal cutoff, which affects the temperature regulation of the endless belt.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a thermal cutoff positioned outside the endless belt, utilizing two temperature sensors, one inside and one outside the belt, to control the heater's output and interrupt the electric current when the temperature exceeds a specified limit, reducing the need for increased space within the belt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the thermal cutoff is disposed inside the endless belt, then the temperature control reliability is improved, but the physical size of the fixing device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal cutoff is extracted from the interior of the endless belt and relocated to the exterior. This allows the belt to maintain its original diameter without accommodating the thermal cutoff, thereby preventing increase in the physical size of the fixing device while still enabling temperature control functionality through external sensing and control mechanisms
2Measurement precision
If the thermal cutoff is disposed inside the endless belt, then the temperature monitoring is improved, but the space inside the endless belt is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal cutoff and temperature sensing functionality are extracted from the belt interior and implemented externally. This preserves the full internal cross-sectional area of the endless belt for its primary function of carrying and heating material, while external sensors continue to monitor temperature with high precision
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 allows for effective temperature control and reduced physical size of the fixing device by enabling the thermal cutoff to operate externally, preventing overheating without enlarging the device's internal space.
Implementation Method 1
a heater extending inside the endless belt in the first direction and configured to heat the endless belt
Implementation Method 2
a first temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the endless belt heated by the heater
Implementation Method 3
a second temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the endless belt heated by the heater, the second temperature sensor being disposed outside of the endless belt
Implementation Method 4
a thermal cutoff disposed outside of the endless belt and configured to interrupt electric current to the heater when the temperature of the endless belt exceeds a specified temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes an endless belt extending in a first direction and configured to rotate, a heater extending inside the endless belt in the first direction and configured to heat the endless belt, a first temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the endless belt heated by the heater, the first temperature sensor being disposed inside the endless belt, a second temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the endless belt heated by the heater, the second temperature sensor being disposed outside of the endless belt, and a thermal cutoff disposed outside of the endless belt and configured to interrupt electric current to the heater when the temperature of the endless belt exceeds a specified temperature.