Fixing Device Heating Member Thermal Expansion Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fixing devices face challenges in securely attaching a heat source to a support portion due to restricted movement of the heat transfer member caused by adhesive, which hinders thermal expansion and stability during thermal expansion of the heat source.

Innovation Solution

A fixing device with a heat source, a support portion, and at least one adhesive layer that fixes the heat source and support portion together, along with a heat transfer member positioned elsewhere to conduct heat, allowing for stable attachment and thermal uniformity without restricting the heat transfer member's movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the heat transfer member is bonded to the support portion with adhesive, then the heat transfer member is fixed in position, but the heat source cannot expand thermally due to restricted movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing stabilityVSAvoidthermal expansion restriction

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bonding structure is divided into two separate bonding portions: a first bonding portion that bonds the heat transfer member to the support portion, and a second bonding portion that bonds the heat source to the support portion. This segmentation allows the heat source to expand thermally without being constrained by the adhesive bonding the heat transfer member to the support portion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive layer is extracted from the interface between the heat source and heat transfer member, and placed only in the bonding portions. This removes the harmful effect of adhesive restriction on thermal expansion while maintaining the fixing stability through the bonding portions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the heat source is bonded directly to the support portion, then fixing stability is improved, but the heat transfer member cannot be properly positioned

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing stabilityVSAvoidassembly ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The bonding system is segmented into multiple bonding portions, allowing the heat transfer member to be positioned and bonded separately from the heat source bonding. This facilitates easier assembly while maintaining overall fixing stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The heat transfer member acts as an intermediary element between the heat source and support portion, with its own dedicated bonding portion. This intermediary structure simplifies the assembly process by allowing separate bonding operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If adhesive is applied between the heat transfer member and heat source, then the heat transfer member is secured, but thermal expansion causes misregistration and potential breakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent stabilityVSAvoidthermal expansion reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive is extracted from the interface between the heat source and heat transfer member. This eliminates the source of misregistration and breakage problems during thermal expansion, while the bonding portions maintain component stability through alternative bonding arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The bonding functions are segmented into separate bonding portions, allowing the heat source to expand thermally without adhesive constraint, while the heat transfer member remains securely positioned through its own bonding portion to the support structure.

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

The solution ensures stable fixation of the heat source to the support portion, preventing misregistration and breakage, while maintaining effective heat transfer and reducing temperature variations across the heat source.

Implementation Method 1

at least one adhesive layer that fixes the heat source and the support portion to each other

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

a heat transfer member disposed at a portion other than a portion between the adhesive layer and the heat source to conduct heat of a portion of the heat source to another portion of the heat source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

a heat source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS20210096487A1Heating member for fixing device and image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2021.04.01 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

A fixing device includes a heat source, a support portion, at least one adhesive layer, and a heat transfer member. The support portion supports the heat source. The at least one adhesive layer fixes the heat source and the support portion to each other. The heat transfer member is disposed at a portion other than a portion between the adhesive layer and the heat source to conduct heat of a portion of the heat source to another portion of the heat source.