Electromagnetic Induction Fixing Roller with Segmented Base Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electromagnetic induction heating systems for image fixing devices face a trade-off between robustness and thermal capacity, where reducing the thickness of the fixing roller's base layer to enhance heating speed compromises its strength and durability.
Innovation Solution
A cylindrical rotatable member with a base layer and an electroconductive layer, where the base layer has higher volume resistivity than the electroconductive layer, and a coil wound helically around the core to generate heat through electromagnetic induction, optimizing the magnetic reluctance and magnetic flux distribution for efficient heat generation across the full circumference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the base layer thickness is reduced to decrease thermal capacity, then heating speed is improved, but strength and robustness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing roller is divided into two distinct layers: a base layer for structural support and an electroconductive layer for heat generation. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently - the base layer can be thick enough for strength while the electroconductive layer is thin for rapid heating response.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing roller uses a composite structure combining a non-electroconductive base layer with an electroconductive layer. This composite material approach enables the roller to simultaneously possess mechanical strength from the base layer and rapid electromagnetic heating capability from the thin electroconductive layer, resolving the trade-off between strength and heating speed.
2Productivity
If the base layer thickness is reduced to improve quick start property, then print waiting time is shortened, but robustness lowers
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the roller into structural and functional layers, the invention allows the electroconductive layer to be minimized for rapid warm-up while the base layer maintains structural integrity, achieving both short print waiting time and reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure enables independent optimization of thermal response and mechanical reliability, allowing the thin electroconductive layer to provide quick heating for reduced wait time while the base layer ensures long-term robustness.
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 allows for rapid heating while maintaining the robustness of the fixing device, ensuring efficient heat generation and improved durability by balancing thermal capacity and mechanical strength.
Implementation Method 1
an AC magnetic field is formed by passing an AC current through the coil to generate heat in the electroconductive layer through electromagnetic induction heating
Implementation Method 2
the current is generated by an electromotive force which is formed by an electroconductive member and which is induced inside the fixing roller and then the fixing roller is heated by Joule heat by the generated current
Data Source
AI summary
An image heating apparatus for heating an image formed on a recording material includes: a cylindrical rotatable member including a base layer and an electroconductive layer; a core inserted into the rotatable member; and a coil wound helically around the core inside the rotatable member, wherein an AC magnetic field is formed by passing an AC current through the coil to generate heat in the electroconductive layer through electromagnetic induction heating. The base layer has a volume resistivity higher than a volume resistivity of the base layer. The electroconductive layer generates heat through a full circumference thereof by a current flowing in a circumferential direction of the rotatable member independently of rotation of the rotatable member.