Fixing Device Reflector Segmentation for Heat Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The temperature of the reflector in fixing devices used in image forming apparatuses tends to increase excessively due to prolonged exposure to heat, leading to discoloration and reduced heat reflection efficiency, which can impair the fixing process and limit productivity.
Innovation Solution
The reflector is elongated with a heat transmission section that preferentially transfers heat to the nip forming member, and positioning sections are used to control temperature increases and prevent interference with peripheral components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the reflector is exposed to heat from the heating source for prolonged periods to efficiently heat the rotators, then the heat reflection function is improved, but the reflector temperature excessively increases causing discoloration and reduced reflection efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector is divided into multiple sections along its longitudinal direction, with each section having different contact areas with the nip forming member. The end sections have smaller contact areas while the central section has a larger contact area, allowing differential heat transmission to manage overall reflector temperature while maintaining heating efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the reflector are designed with different thermal properties through varying contact areas with the nip forming member. The end sections have reduced contact areas to minimize heat absorption and prevent excessive temperature increase, while the central section maintains larger contact area for effective heat transmission to the rotators.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the reflector is made larger to improve heat reflection to the rotators, then the heating efficiency is improved, but the reflector interferes with peripheral components
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector is segmented into multiple sections with varying contact areas. This segmentation allows the reflector to be elongated for improved heat distribution while the reduced contact areas at the ends prevent interference with peripheral components by reducing the effective thermal mass in those regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector design transitions from a uniform cross-section to a variable cross-section along its longitudinal axis. By varying the contact area dimension at different positions, the reflector achieves both large overall area for heating efficiency and controlled local dimensions to avoid peripheral interference.
3Reliability
If the reflector temperature is reduced to prevent discoloration, then the reflector longevity is improved, but the heat transmission to the rotators becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector is divided into sections with different contact areas to create a thermal gradient. The end sections with smaller contact areas experience reduced heat absorption and lower temperatures, preventing discoloration and extending longevity, while the central section with larger contact area maintains effective heat transmission to the rotators.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the reflector are designed with different thermal characteristics. The end sections have reduced contact areas creating local zones of lower temperature for longevity, while the central section maintains optimal contact area for heat transmission efficiency, allowing both requirements to be satisfied simultaneously in different locations.
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 effectively manages reflector temperature, enhances productivity by preventing discoloration, and ensures consistent heat distribution, thereby improving energy efficiency and reducing the risk of fixing defects.
Implementation Method 1
a reflector elongated in a longitudinal direction, the reflector to reflect heat generated by the heating source to the inner face of the first rotator
Implementation Method 2
a heat transmission section between the base and the nip forming member
Data Source
AI summary
A heating device includes a first rotator; and a second rotator facing an outer surface of the first rotator. The first rotator includes a nip forming member in contact with an inner face of the first rotator to form a nip portion between the first rotator and the second rotator; a heating source to heat the first rotator; a reflector elongated in a longitudinal direction, the reflector to reflect heat generated by the heating source to the inner face of the first rotator; a support to receive a pressure from the second rotator via the nip forming member; and a base interposed between the support and the nip forming member. The reflector includes a reflecting section facing the heating source; and a heat transmission section between the base and the nip forming member.