Heater Element Group Segmentation for Abnormal State Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image heating apparatuses face challenges in detecting abnormal states in multiple heater elements, as the variation in temperature among many heaters reduces the sensitivity of detection, making it difficult to identify issues in specific heaters, and the complex structure and increased cost of temperature detecting thermal wires complicate the process.
Innovation Solution
The image heating apparatus divides heater elements into groups and uses current detecting elements or temperature detecting elements to identify abnormal states in each group, allowing for precise detection of issues within each heater group, thereby improving the signal-to-noise ratio and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature detecting thermal wires are disposed in each heater to detect abnormal states, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the heater array into multiple heater groups (first heater group and second heater group) and assigns separate temperature detecting thermal wires to each group rather than to every individual heater. This segmentation approach maintains the ability to detect abnormal states with sufficient precision while reducing the total number of detecting elements and simplifying the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Each temperature detecting thermal wire serves multiple heaters within its group simultaneously. For example, the first thermal wire detects temperature for multiple heaters in the first heater group, making a single detecting element universal for that group. This multi-functionality reduces the number of detecting elements needed while maintaining adequate detection capability.
2Reliability
If temperature detecting thermal wires are disposed in each heater to detect abnormal states, then abnormal state detection capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting heaters into groups and placing one thermal wire per group rather than one per heater, the patent reduces the total count of detecting elements required. This segmentation strategy maintains reliable abnormal state detection capability while directly lowering manufacturing costs through reduced component quantity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each thermal wire is designed to serve multiple heaters within its designated group, creating a universal detecting element that monitors the thermal state of several heaters simultaneously. This approach reduces component costs while preserving the essential detection capability needed for reliability.
3Area of stationary object
If many heaters are used as heat sources, then heating coverage is improved, but abnormal state detection sensitivity deteriorates due to reduced variation amount
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the extensive heater array into multiple smaller heater groups (first heater group, second heater group, etc.) and assigns separate temperature detecting thermal wires to each group. This segmentation allows the system to maintain broad heating coverage through many heaters while improving detection sensitivity by concentrating monitoring resources on smaller, manageable groups where abnormal temperature variations are more detectable.
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 approach enables cost-effective and accurate detection of abnormal heater states, ensuring reliable operation by isolating faulty heater groups and preventing damage to the apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
heating means having heater elements, arranged along a direction intersecting in an advancing direction of a recording material, for generating heat upon energization to heat a toner image on the recording material
Implementation Method 2
detecting means includes a plurality of current detecting elements for detecting the abnormal state of the heater element groups respectively
Data Source
AI summary
An image heating apparatus includes a plurality of heater element groups each having a plurality of heater elements. The heater elements are arranged along a direction intersecting an advancing direction of a recording material, and generate heat upon energization to heat a toner image on the recording material. A detecting mechanism is provided for detecting an abnormal state of the heater groups.