Fusing Belt Heat Conduction and Thermostat Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fusing devices face issues with overheating of the fusing belt due to insufficient heat management, leading to energy inefficiencies and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A fusing device with a heat-conductive member disposed on the lateral side of the fusing belt, extending over the rotation axis direction, and a thermostat to shut off the heat source when a predetermined temperature is reached, effectively managing heat transfer and preventing overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a heat source is disposed inside the fusing belt to heat the fusing belt, then heating efficiency is improved, but the fusing belt is prone to overheating
Solution Approach 1:
A heat-conductive member is introduced as an intermediary component between the heat source and the fusing belt. This member extends from the inner circumferential surface toward the outer circumferential surface of the fusing belt, serving as a thermal bridge that distributes heat more evenly and prevents localized overheating while maintaining efficient heating performance.
2Speed
If the heat source is positioned to provide sufficient heat, then the fusing belt reaches operating temperature quickly, but temperature control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A thermostat is integrated into the fusing device to provide feedback control. The thermostat monitors the temperature of the fusing belt and automatically adjusts or shuts off the heat source when a predetermined temperature is reached, ensuring reliable temperature control while maintaining rapid heating capability.
3Loss of energy
If the fusing belt is heated rapidly to save energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but the risk of overheating damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat-conductive member is pre-installed in the fusing belt structure, extending from the inner to outer circumferential surface. This preliminary structural preparation enables rapid and uniform heat distribution from the heat source, allowing fast heating without localized overheating or damage, thus reducing energy consumption while maintaining safety.
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 effectively suppresses overheating of the fusing belt, enhancing energy efficiency and protecting the device from temperature-related damage.
Implementation Method 1
a heat-conductive member that is disposed on a lateral side of an outer circumference of the fusing belt
Implementation Method 2
a thermostat that shuts off electric power supply to the heat source when a temperature of the fusing belt becomes a predetermined temperature
Implementation Method 3
a heat source that is disposed inside the fusing belt and heats the fusing belt
Data Source
AI summary
A fusing device includes: an endless rotatable fusing belt; a nip forming member that is disposed on an inner circumferential surface of the fusing belt; a pressure roller that is in pressure contact with the nip forming member from an outer side of the fusing belt and forms a fusing nip area between the pressure roller and the fusing belt; and a heat source that is disposed inside the fusing belt and heats the fusing belt. The fusing device further includes a heat-conductive member that is disposed on a lateral side of an outer circumference of the fusing belt. The heat-conductive member extends over a width area in a rotation axis direction of the fusing belt.