Compact Heater With Single-End Connector For Adjustable Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image heating apparatuses have heaters with long substrates, which increase costs due to the need for protrusions to accommodate connectors, and there is a need for a heater with a smaller length that can efficiently heat images on sheets while allowing for adjustable heat generating regions based on sheet width.
Innovation Solution
A heater design with a shorter substrate length, utilizing a heat generating element and electroconductive lines arranged in an interlacing pattern on the substrate, allowing for selective energization of heat generating regions to match varying sheet widths, and a connector system that simplifies mounting and reduces substrate length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the substrate length is increased to accommodate connectors at both longitudinal ends, then the heater can be connected to voltage supply circuits, but the substrate length and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electrical contacts (first and second electrical contacts) onto a single connector located at one longitudinal end of the substrate. This merging of connection points allows the heater to be electrically connected to the voltage supply circuit without requiring the substrate to extend to both ends, thereby reducing substrate length while maintaining full electrical functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The single connector at one end of the substrate serves multiple functions by providing both the first and second electrical contacts needed for complete circuit connection. This multi-functional connector design eliminates the need for separate connectors at both ends, achieving the same electrical connection capability with a more compact substrate configuration.
2Productivity
If the heat generating region width is made adjustable to match sheet width, then heating efficiency improves, but the heater structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The heater structure is segmented into multiple independent heat generating regions (first heat generating region and second heat generating region) that can be selectively activated. Each region corresponds to a different width configuration, allowing the heater to adapt to different sheet widths by energizing only the necessary regions, thereby improving heating efficiency without requiring a completely complex reconfigurable structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The heater provides dynamic adaptability by allowing selective energization of different heat generating regions based on the sheet width being processed. This dynamic control capability enables the heater to optimize its heat generating width for each operating condition, improving heating efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple physical structure.
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 provides a cost-effective, compact heater that efficiently heats images on sheets with adjustable heat generating regions, reducing manufacturing costs and improving maintenance by allowing for easy replacement of components.
Implementation Method 1
the electric power supply is supplied through the electrodes to the heat generating resistance layers 1025 (1025a - 1025e) so that the heat generating resistance layer generates heat
Data Source
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AI summary
A heater usable with an image heating apparatus including first and second terminals, a connector, and an endless heating belt, the heater including at least one first contact provided on a substrate and connectable with the first terminal through the connector; second contacts provided on the substrate and connectable with the second terminal through the connector; electrodes including a first electrode connected with the first contact and second electrodes connected with the second contacts, the first electrodes and the second electrodes being arranged alternately with predetermined gaps in a longitudinal direction of the substrate; and a plurality of heat generating portions provided between adjacent electrodes so as to connect between adjacent electrodes, the heat generating portions being capable of generating heat by the electric power supply between adjacent electrodes; wherein the first contact and the second contacts are all disposed in one longitudinal end portion side of the substrate.