Fixing Device Temperature Detection via Heat Receiving Member Cutouts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fixing devices in image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately detecting the temperature of heating sources due to the interference caused by heat receiving members, which can lead to incomplete heat transfer and detection of temperature rises, potentially resulting in inefficient fixing processes and equipment failures.

Innovation Solution

A fixing device configuration that includes a heat receiving member made of high heat conductivity materials like copper, disposed in contact with the heating source, and a temperature detector positioned to directly face the heating source without interposition, allowing for accurate temperature detection and improved heat transfer by using through-holes or cutouts in the heat receiving member to minimize interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a heat receiving member is disposed between the heating source and the temperature detector, then heat transfer is improved, but temperature detection accuracy deteriorates due to interference from the heat receiving member

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat transfer efficiencyVSAvoidtemperature detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The heat receiving member is segmented by providing through-holes or cutouts that divide the member into multiple regions. This segmentation allows the temperature detector to measure temperature through specific openings while other portions continue to receive heat, thus resolving the contradiction between heat transfer efficiency and temperature detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The through-holes or cutouts in the heat receiving member act as intermediaries that allow thermal field access for the temperature detector. These openings serve as mediation points where the detector can indirectly access the heating source temperature without being blocked by the heat receiving member material

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the temperature detector is positioned to directly face the heating source, then temperature detection accuracy is improved, but heat transfer from the heating source deteriorates due to blockage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature detection accuracyVSAvoidheat transfer efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Different portions of the heat receiving member have different qualities: solid regions that block heat and provide structural support, and through-hole regions that allow thermal field access for detection. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by allowing the detector to face the heating source through openings while maintaining heat transfer pathways

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Loss of energy

If the heat receiving member is made of high heat conductivity material, then heat transfer is improved, but temperature detection interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat transfer efficiencyVSAvoiddetection interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The high heat conductivity material is segmented by through-holes or cutouts, creating regions that conduct heat efficiently while providing openings for temperature detection. This segmentation reduces detection interference caused by the high conductivity material while preserving its heat transfer benefits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 enables precise temperature detection of the heating source, ensuring consistent and efficient heat transfer, reducing the risk of equipment failures and energy consumption while maintaining a stable fixing process.

Implementation Method 1

a heat receiving member that is disposed in contact with the opposite surface of the heating source and receives heat from the heating source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a temperature detector that is provided on an opposite surface side of the heating source and detects temperature of the heating source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature detection: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS10168648B2Fixing device and image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2019.01.01 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

A fixing device includes a belt member used to fix an image on a recording material; a heating source that has a facing surface facing the belt member and an opposite surface and heats the belt member; a heat receiving member that is disposed in contact with the opposite surface of the heating source and receives heat from the heating source; and a temperature detector that is provided on an opposite surface side of the heating source and detects temperature of the heating source without interposition of the heat receiving member between the heating source and the temperature detector.