Fixing Device Substrate With Tapered Width For Uniform Nip Heat
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Solution Overview
Problem
The distribution of pressure in the nip portion of fixing devices with a planar plate heater is not uniform, leading to differences in width dimensions between the center and end portions, which can result in reduced thermal efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device design featuring an endless belt nipped between a pressure roller and a heater with a substrate, where the belt and substrate have varying dimensions to match the pressure roller's small-diameter and large-diameter portions, ensuring uniform heat distribution and efficient thermal efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the substrate has a constant width dimension, then the manufacturing is simple, but the thermal efficiency deteriorates due to mismatch with the nip portion dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate width is made non-uniform along the longitudinal direction, with the width at the end portion being smaller than at the center portion. This local variation in geometry allows the substrate to match the non-uniform pressure distribution in the nip portion, ensuring optimal thermal contact across different regions while maintaining overall manufacturing simplicity through a single-piece construction.
2Loss of energy
If the substrate width is made non-uniform to match the nip portion, then the thermal efficiency improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate geometry is modified by changing the width parameter along the longitudinal direction. Specifically, the width gradually decreases from the center toward the end portions, creating a tapered profile that matches the nip portion dimensions. This parameter variation is achieved through conventional manufacturing processes such as rolling or forming, which can produce non-uniform cross-sections without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity.
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 design enhances thermal efficiency by ensuring consistent heat transmission across the substrate, preventing deterioration and optimizing the dimensions of the nip portion for improved performance.
Implementation Method 1
a heating resistor formed on the substrate
Implementation Method 2
a heater having a planar plate shape... ensuring consistent heat transmission across the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes: a heater including a substrate, and a heating pattern; an endless belt configured to rotate around the heater; and a pressure roller. The endless belt is nipped between the pressure roller and the heater. The endless belt is nipped by the substrate and the pressure roller to form a nip portion including a first portion and a second portion. The length of the first portion in a moving direction of the endless belt at the nip portion is less than that of the second portion in the moving direction. The substrate includes: a third portion located corresponding to the first portion in a longitudinal direction of the substrate; and a fourth portion located corresponding to the second portion in the longitudinal direction. The length of the third portion in the moving direction is less than that of the fourth portion in the moving direction.