Heating Device Block Segmentation for Sheet Width Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heating devices lack precise control over heat generation in the sheet width direction, as they either collectively adjust the output of heat generating parts based on a single temperature detection point or divide heat generating regions without considering gaps, leading to inefficient heat distribution and control.
Innovation Solution
The heating device divides heat generating parts into blocks with gaps and provides temperature sensors in each block to detect temperatures accurately, allowing for independent power control of each block based on the sheet size, thereby optimizing heat generation across the sheet width.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single temperature detection point is used to collectively adjust the output of heat generating parts, then the control system is simple, but the temperature distribution across the sheet width cannot be precisely controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The heat generating parts are divided into multiple blocks arranged in the sheet width direction, with each block independently controllable. Multiple temperature detection points are also provided, with each detecting temperatures in different regions. This segmentation enables independent control of temperature distribution across the sheet width, resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and temperature control precision.
2Area of stationary object
If heat generating parts are continuously arranged without gaps, then the heating coverage is complete, but unnecessary heat is generated in regions where sheets do not pass
Solution Approach 1:
The heat generating parts are segmented into multiple blocks with gaps between adjacent blocks in the sheet width direction. This allows the heating device to activate only the blocks corresponding to the sheet width, preventing energy waste in regions where sheets do not pass while maintaining complete heating coverage across the active area.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating device dynamically adjusts which blocks are activated based on the detected sheet width. By selectively energizing only the necessary blocks, the system optimizes energy efficiency while maintaining adequate heating coverage, resolving the contradiction between complete heating coverage and energy waste.
3Ease of manufacture
If the widths of heat generating parts are uniformly designed, then the manufacturing is simple, but the heat output cannot be optimized for different regions of the sheet
Solution Approach 1:
The heat generating parts are designed with different widths for different blocks according to the specific heating requirements of each region. The controller selectively activates blocks with appropriate widths based on sheet size, enabling optimized heat output distribution across different regions while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through modular block design.
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 solution enables precise control over heat generation, ensuring high output at the center and low output at the ends, reducing unnecessary heat and improving temperature accuracy, thus enhancing the fixing process for varying sheet sizes.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of heat generating parts are formed on a ceramic substrate
Implementation Method 2
a thermistor is brought into contact with a region across two heat generating parts in plan view that are located at the center in the sheet width direction and detects temperatures
Data Source
AI summary
A heating device according to an embodiment generally includes heat generating parts and temperature sensors. The heat generating parts are divided into a plurality of blocks, so that the plurality of heat generating parts are arranged with a gap therebetween on a substrate in each block. With a temperature detection region provided in each block, the temperature sensors are provided corresponding to the heat generating parts with the gaps being avoided. The temperatures of the heat generating parts are detected by the temperature sensors that are less in number than the plurality of heat generating parts.