Fixing Section Duct System for Dew Condensation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, the heating process by the fixing section leads to a temperature difference between the recording paper and surrounding air, causing dew condensation on apparatus members, and existing solutions like fans for air discharge are inefficient in preventing this issue while also increasing ultrafine particle discharge.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a duct system with specific parts (first, second, third, fourth, and fifth duct parts) that circulate and cool the air heated by the fixing section, reducing temperature differences and preventing dew condensation without discharging heated air, thereby minimizing ultrafine particle release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a fan is used to discharge heated air from the fixing section, then dew condensation is prevented, but ultrafine particle discharge increases
Solution Approach 1:
The duct acts as an intermediary structure that redirects and cools the heated air without discharging it directly to the external environment. The duct system serves as a mediator between the fixing section and the external air, allowing heat dissipation while preventing ultrafine particles from being discharged outside.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful heated air that causes both dew condensation and ultrafine particle discharge into a beneficial cooling flow. By directing the heated air through the duct system, it cools the surrounding components and prevents dew condensation, while the closed duct system prevents particle discharge.
2Temperature
If heated air is discharged to the outside, then temperature difference is reduced, but ultrafine particles are discharged
Solution Approach 1:
The duct serves as an intermediary that allows heated air to be redirected and cooled within the apparatus before being discharged or recirculated. This mediator structure enables temperature equalization without providing a direct pathway for particles to escape to the external environment.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If air circulation is increased to cool the fixing section area, then dew condensation is prevented, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the heated air itself as the cooling medium by directing it through the duct system. The hot air from the fixing section is circulated through the duct to cool surrounding components, utilizing the thermal energy already present in the air rather than requiring external cooling sources or additional energy input.
Solution Approach 2:
The duct system creates a continuous circulation path that maintains cooling effect throughout the operating period. The heated air is continuously redirected through the duct network, providing sustained cooling to prevent dew condensation without requiring intermittent or additional energy-consuming cooling operations.
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 duct system efficiently cools the air heated by the fixing section, reducing dew condensation risks and minimizing ultrafine particle discharge, while maintaining a unified and aesthetically pleasing design.
Implementation Method 1
a fan circulating the air in the duct
Implementation Method 2
cooling the air heated by a fixing section which fixes an image on recording paper
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: a fixing section; a housing having an air inflow hole, an air outflow hole, a duct, and a fan circulating the air in the duct; and a main body frame. The duct has: (i) a first duct part extending from the air inflow hole to an arrangement region; (ii) a second duct part continuing to the first duct part and extending along the arrangement region; (iii) a third duct part extending from the air outflow hole to the arrangement region; (iv) a fourth duct part continuing to the third duct part and extending along the arrangement region at a position different from the second duct; and (v) a fifth duct part being provided between the second and the fourth duct parts and being curved in a meandering manner in a region, other than the arrangement region, located between the housing and the main body frame.