Fixing Device Heaters with Retaining Space Insulators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixing devices for image forming apparatuses face difficulties in easily and reliably attaching multiple heaters due to complex handling of power transmission wires and precise spatial arrangement, especially with insulators interfering with each other, leading to cumbersome assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with cylindrical heaters having insulators on both ends, where the insulators include retaining spaces that engage with the support frame, allowing for easy attachment without mechanical fasteners and accommodating thermal expansion, while keeping heaters aligned for uniform heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple heaters are arranged closer to the axis of the fixing roller to ensure uniform heating, then heating uniformity is improved, but the handling of power transmission wires becomes more complicated and assembly operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple heaters into a single integrated heater assembly where power transmission wires are bundled together. This allows the heaters to be arranged closely for uniform heating while the bundled wires simplify handling during assembly, resolving the contradiction between heating uniformity and assembly ease.
2Adaptability or versatility
If heaters are individually attached to the support frame to allow flexible positioning, then spatial arrangement flexibility is improved, but assembly complexity increases due to delicate attention required for each heater
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple heaters into a single assembly unit that is attached to the support frame as one piece. This maintains the ability to position heaters precisely for optimal spatial arrangement while significantly reducing assembly complexity by treating them as a single component rather than multiple individual attachments.
Solution Approach 2:
The heater assembly is designed as a modular unit with internal structure that separates the heaters from the attachment mechanism. This allows the entire assembly to be positioned flexibly while the internal arrangement of heaters within the assembly maintains their precise relative positions without requiring delicate individual handling.
3Reliability
If insulators are provided on both ends of heaters to prevent contact, then electrical insulation is improved, but the ability to arrange heaters closer in horizontal or vertical direction is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple heaters into a single assembly where the insulators are integrated into the overall assembly structure rather than being separate components on each heater. This allows heaters to be arranged closely within the assembly while maintaining necessary electrical insulation through the integrated insulator design.
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
Facilitates easier and more reliable attachment of multiple heaters, reducing assembly complexity and ensuring accurate spatial positioning, thus enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the fixing process in image forming apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
a heater for generating heat for the fixation
Implementation Method 2
a heater for generating heat for the fixation, the heater having a cylindrical shape, and provided with an insulator on at least one of the opposite ends
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device is provided with a pair of a fixing unit and a pressing unit for performing fixation of a toner image on a recording sheet; a support frame for supporting the fixing unit and the pressing unit; and a heater for generating heat for the fixation, the heater having a cylindrical shape, and being provided with an insulator on at least one of the opposite ends thereof, the insulator having a retaining space operable to fixedly engage with a portion of the support frame. This facilitates the attachment of heaters on the support frame.