Fixing Member Nickel Grain Size for Induction Heating

Solution Overview

Problem

In electromagnetic induction heating type fixing units, the warming-up operation time is lengthy, and the metal layer tends to crack due to repeated bending, which affects the durability and energy efficiency of the fixing member.

Innovation Solution

A fixing member with a substrate layer, a first metal layer of copper, a second metal layer of nickel with an average crystal grain size of 0.15 μm to 0.19 μm, and an elastic layer is used, which reduces the warming-up operation time and prevents cracking of the metal layer by optimizing the crystal grain size for improved thermal and electrical conductivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If the metal layer is made with smaller crystal grain size to improve thermal and electrical conductivity, then the warming-up operation time is shortened, but the metal layer becomes more prone to cracking due to repeated bending

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewarming-up operation timeVSAvoidcracking resistance of metal layer

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the crystal grain size of the nickel layer within the specific range of 0.15 μm to 0.19 μm. This optimized parameter range achieves the optimal balance between thermal conductivity (shorter warming-up time) and mechanical durability (cracking resistance), resolving the technical contradiction between heating efficiency and structural reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite structure with multiple metal layers (copper layer and nickel layer) with different crystal grain sizes. The copper layer provides excellent electrical conductivity for rapid heating, while the nickel layer with controlled crystal grain size provides both thermal conductivity and cracking resistance, creating a composite material system that resolves the contradiction between heating speed and durability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If the metal layer is made with larger crystal grain size to improve cracking resistance, then the durability is improved, but the thermal and electrical conductivity decreases, lengthening the warming-up operation time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecracking resistance of metal layerVSAvoidwarming-up operation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the crystal grain size of the nickel layer within the specific range of 0.15 μm to 0.19 μm. This optimized parameter range achieves the optimal balance between thermal conductivity (shorter warming-up time) and mechanical durability (cracking resistance), resolving the technical contradiction between heating efficiency and structural reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite structure with multiple metal layers (copper layer and nickel layer) with different crystal grain sizes. The copper layer provides excellent electrical conductivity for rapid heating, while the nickel layer with controlled crystal grain size provides both thermal conductivity and cracking resistance, creating a composite material system that resolves the contradiction between heating speed and durability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 shortens the warming-up operation time and enhances the durability of the fixing member by preventing metal layer cracking, thereby improving energy efficiency and maintaining high thermal and electrical conductivity.

Implementation Method 1

In the electromagnetic induction heating type fixing unit, for example, a fixing member having a substrate layer including a resin, a metal layer, and an elastic layer is used, and the metal layer is heated by the electromagnetic induction device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

A recording medium having an unfixed toner image formed on the surface is sandwiched between the heated fixing member and a pressurizing member to fix the toner image on the recording medium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS10802433B1Fixing member, fixing unit, and image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2020.10.13 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

A fixing member includes: a substrate layer including a resin; a first metal layer that is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the substrate layer and includes Cu; a second metal layer that is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the first metal layer so as to be in contact with the first metal layer, includes Ni, and has an average crystal grain size of 0.15 μm to 0.19 μm; and an elastic layer that is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the second metal layer.