Fixing Heater Sensor Holder for Stable Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices in image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently controlling the temperature of the fixing belt due to limitations in the design of temperature detectors and their integration with the heating body, leading to potential temperature fluctuations and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A heating device with a rotator, heater, temperature detector, holder, and biasing member is designed, featuring a holder with supports and a slit for accommodating an electric wire, allowing for improved temperature detection and control by biasing the temperature detector towards the heater via the holder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the temperature detector is held in a fixed position away from the heater, then the device structure is simple, but the temperature control responsiveness is poor and temperature fluctuations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is designed with elastic deformation capability, allowing the temperature detector to dynamically adjust its position. The biased holder can elastically deform to bring the detector into contact with the heater when needed, while returning to its original position when not in use. This dynamic behavior enables the system to switch between contact and non-contact states, improving temperature control responsiveness without permanent structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder's physical state is changed from rigid to elastic by selecting appropriate materials or structural designs. This parameter change allows the holder to deform under biasing force, enabling the temperature detector to approach or contact the heater. The elastic deformation capability transforms the holder into a flexible positioning mechanism that adapts to different operational requirements.
2Ease of manufacture
If the holder structure is designed to accommodate wiring spaces and slits, then the electric wire can be properly routed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it holds the temperature detector, provides elastic biasing toward the heater, and serves as a wiring conduit through its integrated slits and spaces. By combining these functions into a single component, the overall device complexity is reduced compared to using separate elements for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder structure merges the mechanical support function with the electrical wiring guidance function. The slits and wiring spaces are integrated directly into the holder body, combining what could have been separate components into one unified structure. This merging simplifies assembly and reduces the total number of parts.
3Measurement precision
If the temperature detector is biased toward the heater, then temperature detection accuracy improves, but the risk of excessive contact force increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holder material's elastic modulus and structural geometry are selected to provide appropriate compliance. This parameter optimization ensures that the biasing force is sufficient to maintain reliable thermal contact for accurate temperature detection, while remaining low enough to prevent damage to the heater or detector. The elastic deformation capability acts as a natural force buffer.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic holder structure provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing excess contact force through elastic deformation. When the temperature detector approaches the heater, the holder's elasticity prevents rigid impact and maintains a controlled, gentle contact force. This cushioning effect protects the components from damage while ensuring sufficient thermal contact.
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 enhances temperature control responsiveness and stability, preventing excessive temperature increases and improving the efficiency and quality of image fixation in the fixing device.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature detector to detect a temperature of the heater... biasing member to bias the temperature detector toward the heater via the holder
Data Source
AI summary
A heating device includes: a rotator; a heater extending in a first direction to heat the rotator; a temperature detector to detect a temperature of the heater; a holder holding the temperature detector; an electric wire; and a biasing member to bias the temperature detector toward the heater via the holder in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The holder includes: a pair of supports parallel to each other in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, the pair of supports extend in the first direction; a wiring space between the pair of supports and accommodatable a part of the electric wire; and a slit between the pair of supports and communicating with the wiring space, the slit being insertable the electric wire to the wiring space.