Fixing Device Shutter Mechanism for Energy Savings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fixing devices in image forming apparatuses face limitations in reducing power consumption and heat radiation, especially during standby states, as they rely on inefficient heating systems and complex structures that do not fully utilize energy-saving potential.

Innovation Solution

A novel fixing device with a rotatable fixing member, a heat source, a pressing member, and a shutter mechanism that forms and cancels a nip, utilizing a cam-driven transmission mechanism to optimize energy use and reduce heat radiation by controlling the engagement-disengagement of the fixing and pressing members, and incorporating thermal insulation and low-friction treatments to enhance efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If the heater is continuously operated to maintain temperature during standby state, then the temperature is maintained ready for printing, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing member temperatureVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic heating cycles during standby state instead of continuous heating. The heater operates intermittently to maintain temperature within a predetermined range, reducing power consumption while ensuring the fixing member is ready for printing when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary warming up of the fixing member before actual printing operations. By maintaining temperature in advance during standby, the system avoids energy-intensive heating during active printing, achieving energy efficiency without compromising printing readiness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Use of energy by moving object

If the heater is turned off during standby state, then power consumption is reduced, but the temperature drops and printing cannot start instantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidwarm-up time

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains the fixing member at a predetermined temperature range during standby state through controlled heating. This preliminary temperature maintenance ensures that when printing is required, the fixing member is already ready, eliminating warm-up time while consuming minimal energy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the temperature parameter from constant high temperature to a controlled temperature range during standby. By maintaining temperature within specific bounds rather than continuously high, the system achieves energy savings while preserving rapid printing capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of energy

If a complex structure with multiple components is used to reduce heat radiation, then heat retention improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat radiation lossVSAvoidfixing device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the housing structure with thermal insulation functions. The housing not only encloses the fixing member and pressing member but also serves as a thermal insulation barrier, reducing heat radiation loss without adding separate complex insulation components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing performs multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical support, structural enclosure, and thermal insulation. By making the housing multi-functional, the system reduces heat radiation without increasing device complexity through additional dedicated components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 significantly reduces power consumption and heat radiation, allowing for faster warm-up times and energy savings by optimizing the heating process and improving thermal insulation, while maintaining image quality and reducing operational costs.

Implementation Method 1

a heat source to heat the rotatable fixing member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a shutter disposed on an upstream or downstream side of the nip... to open and close the conveyance path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS8886090B2Fixing device including an engagement-disengagement unit and image forming apparatus equipped with the fixing device

Publication Date: 2014.11.11 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

A fixing device comprises a rotatable fixing member to heat a side of a recording medium bearing an unfixed image; a heat source to heat the rotatable fixing member; a rotatable pressing member disposed opposite the fixing member to press against an outer side of the fixing member; a housing to accommodate the fixing member and the pressing member; a conveyance path defined internally within the fixing device to convey a recording medium therethrough and between the fixing member and the pressing member, and a shutter actuator to move the shutter to open and close the conveyance path. The housing holds the shutter and the shutter actuator.