Image-Forming Fixing Device With Integrated Support for Lower Heat Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixing devices have a complex configuration of reinforcement members that lead to excessive heat transfer from the fixing belt to the support member, increasing power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The fixing device incorporates a support member with a fixture and upright integrally formed, reducing the volume and heat transfer through the fixing pad, and includes connections and through-holes to further suppress heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the support member includes overlapping L-shaped first support and second support to fix the fixing pad, then the fixing pad is securely fixed, but the volume of the support member increases and heat transfer from the fixing belt to the support member increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is segmented into a first support and a second support that are positioned separately rather than overlapped. The first support extends in the rotation axis direction and the second support extends in the width direction, creating a segmented structure that reduces volume while maintaining fixation stability through distributed support points.
2Reliability
If the support member includes overlapping L-shaped first support and second support, then the fixing pad is securely fixed, but the heat transfer from the fixing belt to the support member increases leading to increased power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is divided into separate first and second supports with different orientations. This segmentation reduces the continuous metal path for heat conduction, thereby reducing heat transfer from the fixing belt to the support member and lowering the energy required by the heat source to maintain fixing temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
The first support and second support are positioned at different locations and orientations within the support member structure. This local differentiation creates thermal isolation zones that reduce heat transfer pathways while maintaining adequate fixation stability at specific critical points.
3Reliability
If the reinforcement member includes a pair of reinforcement portions upright from both ends of the fixing pad, then the fixing pad is supported, but the configuration becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The first support and second support are merged into a single integrated support member structure. The first support extending in the rotation axis direction and the second support extending in the width direction are combined in one piece, simplifying the overall configuration while providing comprehensive fixing pad support through the integrated dual-orientation structure.
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 reduces the support member's volume, minimizes heat transfer, and lowers power consumption while maintaining structural integrity and simplifying the device's design.
Implementation Method 1
a heat source 36 that heats the fixing belt 31 inside the fixing belt 31
Implementation Method 2
heat transfers from the fixing belt 31 to the support member 33X through the fixing pad 34
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a fixing belt, a heat source, a fixing pad, and a support member. In the support member, a fixture and an upright are integrally formed, and the fixing pad is fixed in a rotation axis direction of the fixing belt. The upright is upright from a side opposite to the fixing pad in a width direction orthogonal to the rotation axis direction of the fixture, and a plurality of connections between the fixture and the upright is provided.