Fixing Roll Heating Structure for Axial Temperature Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices face challenges in maintaining uniform temperature distribution along the axial direction of the heating roll, leading to issues such as insufficient fixing temperature or overheating, which affects productivity and safety.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a heating roll design with a resistance heating element, an outer heating lamp, and an inner heating lamp, along with a rotary electrode and fixed electrode configuration, allows for independent control of temperature in different axial areas, using a rotatable power feeding system to minimize structural size and prevent overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If power is fed to the heat generating component from the outer side in the axial direction or radial direction, then the structure is simpler to implement, but the size of the power feeding structure becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional power feeding approach by feeding power from the inner side of the cylindrical part rather than from the outer side. The power feeding structure is positioned inside the hollow cylindrical part, with the power feeding brush contacting the heat generating component through the inner surface, thereby reducing the overall size of the power feeding structure while maintaining functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from feeding power in the axial or radial direction from the outside to feeding power in the radial direction from the inside. This dimensional repositioning allows the power feeding structure to be compactly arranged within the hollow cylindrical space, reducing the external footprint while maintaining effective power transmission to the heat generating component
2Device complexity
If a single heat generating component is used, then the structure is simpler, but uniform temperature distribution along the axial direction cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the heat generating function into multiple independent heat generating components (first heat generating component and second heat generating component) positioned at different locations along the axial direction. Each component can be independently controlled to generate heat, enabling uniform temperature distribution along the axial direction of the cylindrical part while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent assigns different heat generating components to different axial regions of the cylindrical part, with each component optimized for its specific location. The first heat generating component is positioned at one axial region while the second heat generating component is positioned at another axial region, allowing localized temperature control and ensuring uniform temperature distribution across the entire axial length
3Volume of moving object
If the power feeding structure is positioned inside the cylindrical part, then the size is reduced, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary supporting component serves multiple functions simultaneously: it supports the first connecting component, enables relative rotation between connecting components, and maintains electrical connection through the power feeding brush. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing overall structure complexity while maintaining the compact inner-side power feeding configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The power feeding brush acts as an intermediary element that maintains continuous electrical contact between the first connecting component and the second connecting component during rotation. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the power feeding structure by using a single contact element rather than complex sliding contacts or flexible cables, reducing structural complexity while enabling compact inner-side power feeding
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 ensures consistent temperature control, preventing thermal runaway and improving productivity by allowing for rapid recovery of temperature fluctuations, while reducing the overall size and minimizing heat-related damage.
Implementation Method 1
a first heat generating component provided on an inner surface of the cylindrical part and configured to generate heat when energized
Data Source
AI summary
A heat generating member includes: a hollow cylindrical part that is rotatable about a rotation axis and extends in an axial direction; a first heat generating component provided on an inner surface of the cylindrical part and configured to generate heat when energized; a first connecting component provided on an inner side relative to the cylindrical part and electrically connected to the first heat generating component, the first connecting component being rotatable together with the cylindrical part; a second connecting component provided on a further inner side relative to the cylindrical part than the first connecting component and electrically connected to a power source, the second connecting component being rotatable relative to the cylindrical part; a rotary supporting component that electrically connects the first connecting component and the second connecting component to each other and supports the first connecting component while allowing the first connecting component to rotate relative to the second connecting component; and a second heat generating component provided on a further inner side relative to the cylindrical part than the second connecting component and extending through the cylindrical part in a longitudinal direction of the cylindrical part, the second heat generating component being configured to generate heat when energized, the second heat generating component having a heat generating area different from a heat generating area of the first heat generating component.