Heating Device Block Temperature Control via Thermal Mediator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional temperature detection techniques in heating devices, such as fixing devices, are limited in their ability to adjust heat generation in the sheet width direction, leading to inefficient heat distribution and control.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of heat generating parts divided into blocks with gaps between them, along with temperature sensors strategically placed to avoid gaps and ensure accurate temperature detection within each block, allows for precise control of heat generation based on sheet size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are placed on the ceramic substrate to detect temperature for controlling heat generating parts, then temperature control is achieved, but temperature detection accuracy is reduced due to gaps between heat generating parts causing detection of cooler regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (thermal conductive paste or thermal conductive resin) between the temperature sensor and the ceramic substrate to fill the gaps and improve thermal contact. This mediator ensures that the temperature sensor accurately detects the temperature of the heat generating parts without being affected by the gaps, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining simple device structure.
2Loss of energy
If heat generating parts are arranged with gaps between them to match sheet sizes, then energy efficiency is improved by preventing unnecessary heat generation, but temperature distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the thermal conductive paste or resin have higher thermal conductivity in the regions corresponding to the gaps between heat generating parts. This localized enhancement of thermal conductivity ensures that heat is effectively transferred across the gap regions, maintaining uniform temperature distribution across the entire ceramic substrate while preserving the energy-efficient gap structure.
3Measurement precision
If multiple temperature sensors are used to detect temperatures at different positions, then temperature control precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single temperature sensor combined with a thermal conductive paste or resin as an intermediary to achieve accurate temperature detection. The thermal mediator ensures that the single sensor can accurately detect the temperature by eliminating the effect of gaps, thereby achieving good temperature control precision without increasing device complexity or component count.
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 configuration enables finer control over heat generation in the sheet width direction, improving temperature accuracy and distribution, and allowing for optimized heat output based on sheet size.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of heat generating parts 61 are formed on a front surface of a ceramic substrate 320
Implementation Method 2
a thermistor 81 is disposed between a rear surface of the ceramic substrate 320 on which the heat generating parts 61 are not formed and an inner surface 341 of the endless belt 34
Implementation Method 3
a thermistor 81 is disposed between a rear surface of the ceramic substrate 320
Data Source
AI summary
A heating device according to an embodiment generally includes substrate, blocks, and temperature sensors. The blocks are arranged on the substrate with a gap therebetween in a first direction. The temperature sensors are provided for each of the blocks and detect the temperature of the blocks. The block includes a plurality of first blocks on at least one side in the first direction, and the first block is adjacent to two blocks in the first direction, and the temperature sensor detects temperature of a temperature detection region on the first block, which is closer to the one of the adjacent two blocks being longer in the first direction of the two blocks.