Fixing Device Halogen Heater Uniform Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixing devices in image forming apparatuses face challenges in uniformly heating the fixing belt to achieve consistent toner fixation, leading to variations in the gloss of the printed image due to surface asperities and inefficient energy usage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a halogen heater with a unique configuration, including primary and secondary heat generation portions and a temperature sensor, which adjusts heat distribution to maintain a consistent temperature across the fixing belt, ensuring uniform heating and energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a conventional heater is used to heat the fixing belt, then the fixing belt can be heated, but the temperature distribution is non-uniform causing variations in gloss of the printed image
Solution Approach 1:
The heater is divided into multiple independent heating elements (first heating element and second heating element) with different heat generation characteristics. The first heating element has a larger width and generates less heat per unit area, while the second heating element has a smaller width and generates more heat per unit area, allowing differential heating control across the fixing belt width to achieve uniform temperature distribution
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the heater are designed with different heat generation properties to match the local thermal requirements of the fixing belt. The first heating element targets regions requiring more heat input, while the second heating element targets regions requiring less heat input, creating a non-uniform heat distribution pattern that results in uniform overall temperature
2Use of energy by stationary object
If heating is applied to the entire heater area, then the fixing belt can be heated, but energy is wasted in regions where heat is not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The heater is segmented into multiple independent heating elements that can be controlled separately. This allows the system to activate only the heating elements that are currently needed based on the position and type of recording medium being processed, rather than heating the entire heater area continuously
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system transitions from a static, uniform heating approach to a dynamic, selective heating approach where different heating elements are activated based on real-time requirements, optimizing energy usage by applying heat only where and when needed
3Ease of manufacture
If the heater structure is simplified, then the device is easier to manufacture, but temperature control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The heater is divided into multiple independent heating elements with different characteristics, allowing each element to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural simplicity. This segmentation enables precise temperature control without requiring complex control systems
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 consistent toner fixation and improved energy efficiency by maintaining a uniform temperature across the fixing belt, reducing variations in the printed image and minimizing energy wastage.
Implementation Method 1
a halogen heater with a unique configuration, including primary and secondary heat generation portions
Implementation Method 2
including primary and secondary heat generation portions and a temperature sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a primary heater and a secondary heater that heat a fixing rotator. The primary heater includes a primary major heat generation portion and a primary minor heat generation portion. The primary minor heat generation portion includes a major heat generator that generates an increased amount of heat and a minor heat generator that generates a decreased amount of heat smaller than the increased amount of heat generated by the major heat generator. The major heat generator has a width in an axial direction of the fixing rotator that is not smaller than 30 percent and not greater than 35 percent with respect to a width of the primary minor heat generation portion in the axial direction of the fixing rotator. A temperature detector is disposed opposite the minor heat generator of the primary heater to detect a temperature of the fixing rotator.