Fixing Device Nip Member Segmentation for Rapid Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixing devices take a long time to raise the temperature of the nip member to a predetermined fixing temperature, which slows down the thermal fixing process of developing agent images on sheets.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a flexible tubular member, a heater, a nip member, a backup member, and a stay, where the nip member includes a heat-conductive first member and a less conductive second member with openings to efficiently transmit radiant heat, and a reflection plate to concentrate heat onto the nip member, reducing the time to reach the fixing temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a conventional fixing device uses a standard heater and nip member structure, then the device structure is simple, but the time to reach fixing temperature is long
Solution Approach 1:
The nip member is divided into a first member (heat-conductive) and a second member (structural support with openings). This segmentation allows the heat-conductive first member to be thinner and more efficient at transmitting radiant heat, while the second member provides necessary structural support, thereby reducing the overall heating time without compromising structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The first member is designed with high heat conductivity specifically for heat transmission functions, while the second member has lower heat conductivity but provides structural support and contains openings for heat transmission. This local differentiation of material properties optimizes both heating efficiency and structural requirements.
2Loss of time
If the nip member is made thinner to reduce heat capacity and speed up heating, then the heating time is reduced, but the mechanical strength and load-bearing capacity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The nip member is segmented into two functional parts: the first member (thin, high heat conductivity) for heat transmission and the second member (thicker, structural support) for mechanical strength. This allows the first member to be thin enough for rapid heating while the second member compensates for the reduced overall strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The nip member combines materials with different properties: the first member uses a material with high heat conductivity (such as aluminum or copper alloy) for efficient heat transmission, while the second member uses a material with good mechanical strength and rigidity (such as stainless steel) for structural support. This composite structure optimizes both heating performance and mechanical properties.
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 device quickly raises the nip member's temperature, speeding up the thermal fixing process and improving the efficiency of the laser printer by reducing the time from image data input to image formation.
Implementation Method 1
a heater disposed in the internal space to radiate a radiant heat
Implementation Method 2
The first member has a heat conductivity higher than the second member
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes: a tubular member having an outer peripheral surface, an inner peripheral surface defining an internal space, and an axis defining an axial direction, the tubular member being configured to move around the axis; a heater disposed in an internal space to radiate heat; a nip member that contacts the inner peripheral surface to transmit the heat to the tubular member; a backup member that is in contact with the outer peripheral surface to form a nip region between the backup member and the tubular member, the backup member applying a load to the nip member; and a stay disposed in the internal space to support the nip member against the load. The nip member includes: a first member that contacts the inner peripheral surface; and a second member disposed between the first member and the stay to transmit the load to the stay.