Heating Device Adhesion for Fixing Belt Thermal Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing fixing devices, thermal expansion mismatches between heat generating elements and insulating layers lead to gaps (floating and peeling), reducing heat transfer efficiency and causing fixing failures, while high-temperature exposure can embrittle or carbonize insulating materials, compromising their insulating function and leading to electrical issues.
Innovation Solution
A heating device with a laminated structure comprising metal and insulating layers, connected by a thermoplastic adhesive, which suppresses gap formation through curving deformation and maintains adhesion across thermal expansion differences, ensuring consistent heat transfer to the fixing belt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If thermal expansion mismatch between heating element and insulating layers is not addressed, then manufacturing is simpler, but gaps form causing heat transfer efficiency to decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the connection member by heating it to its melting point and above, transforming it from a solid with rigid dimensional constraints to a molten state that can flow and adapt. This parameter change (temperature) allows the connection member to fill gaps caused by thermal expansion mismatch between layers, improving heat transfer efficiency without requiring complex pre-engineered compensation structures
Solution Approach 2:
The connection member undergoes phase transition from solid to liquid state during the heating process. This phase transition enables the material to change from a rigid structure that cannot accommodate thermal expansion differences to a fluid state that can flow into and fill gaps between the heating element and insulating layers, thereby maintaining thermal contact and preventing energy loss
2Temperature
If high-temperature exposure is applied to heat the fixing belt, then fixing function is achieved, but insulating layers embrittle or carbonize causing electrical issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a connection member as an intermediary substance between the heating element and insulating layers. This intermediary material has the property of melting at high temperatures without carbonizing or embrittling, allowing it to withstand the thermal environment and protect the insulating layers from direct high-temperature exposure that would cause degradation and electrical failures
Solution Approach 2:
The connection member is designed to replicate or replace the function of traditional high-temperature resistant materials (like asbestos or ceramic) that were used in earlier heating elements. By using a material that can be melted and reformed, the patent creates a new version of the heat-resistant component that maintains electrical insulation reliability while achieving the necessary fixing temperatures
3Reliability
If conventional heating element structure is used, then device complexity is lower, but thermal gaps form causing fixing failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-heating the connection member to its melting point and above before assembling the heating element structure. This preliminary heating ensures that the connection member is in a molten state during assembly, allowing it to automatically flow into and fill any gaps or voids between the heating element and insulating layers, thereby preventing thermal gaps that would cause fixing failures
Solution Approach 2:
The connection member performs self-service by automatically filling gaps through its own melting and flowing behavior. When heated to the appropriate temperature, the connection member transitions to a liquid state and naturally flows into gaps between components, then solidifies to create a self-aligned, gap-free thermal interface. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex external alignment or sealing structures
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 prevents thermal gaps and enhances adhesion between layers, maintaining heat transfer efficiency and preventing electrical leaks, thus ensuring reliable image fixation and reducing the risk of fixing failures.
Implementation Method 1
a connection member that connects the first supporting layer and the second supporting layer in a normal direction of the first supporting layer and the second supporting layer
Implementation Method 2
a heating element; a first insulating layer and a second insulating layer that are arranged to nip the heating element
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a heating device that heats a belt which transports a medium on which a non-fixed image to be fixed onto the medium through heating is formed, the heating device including a heating element, a first insulating layer and a second insulating layer that are arranged to nip the heating element, a first supporting layer that comes into contact with the first insulating layer and a second supporting layer that comes into contact with the second insulating layer, both of which are arranged to nip the first insulating layer, the heating element, and the second insulating layer, and a connection member that connects the first supporting layer and the second supporting layer in a normal direction of the first supporting layer and the second supporting layer.