Induction Heating Belt Stabilization for Uniform Thermal Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image heating apparatuses using free belts for induction heating face issues with heat generation non-uniformity due to unstable distance between the belt and the magnetic flux generating means, leading to belt flapping and increased waiting time for heating.
Innovation Solution
An image heating apparatus with a magnetic flux generating unit outside a flexible, electroconductive belt member, a back-up member inside, and a regulating member to stabilize the belt's rotation locus, ensuring consistent distance and reduced heat generation non-uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a free belt is used without tension to reduce thermal capacity, then the waiting time is reduced, but the belt causes flapping resulting in unstable distance and heat generation non-uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin belt structure with electroconductive layer that is flexible by nature, allowing it to be heated by induction without rigid support structures. The belt's flexibility enables close proximity to the magnetic field generating means while maintaining structural integrity through the thin-film design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the gap distance between the magnetic flux generating means and the belt to a specific range (0.5mm to 2mm) to achieve stable induction heating. By controlling this critical parameter, the system maintains heat generation uniformity while using a free belt configuration that reduces thermal capacity and waiting time.
2Reliability
If the belt is regulated in its entire longitudinal direction to prevent flapping, then heat generation uniformity is improved, but belt slip occurs due to sliding resistance leading to large drive load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the belt regulation function into two distinct segments: magnetic flux generating means that provides indirect regulation through controlled magnetic field interaction, and pressing members that provide localized mechanical support only in the heating region. This segmentation prevents continuous longitudinal regulation that would cause belt slip, while still maintaining heat generation uniformity in the critical heating zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic flux as an intermediary mechanism that indirectly regulates belt position and shape without requiring direct mechanical contact along the entire belt length. The magnetic field acts as a mediator that stabilizes the belt in the heating region without creating sliding resistance that would lead to belt slip and increased drive load.
3Power
If the distance between belt and magnetic flux generating means is reduced for efficient heating, then heating efficiency is improved, but heat generation non-uniformity occurs due to belt flapping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the gap distance between the magnetic flux generating means and the belt to a specific range (0.5mm to 2mm) to achieve stable induction heating. By controlling this critical parameter, the system maintains heat generation uniformity while using a free belt configuration that reduces thermal capacity and waiting time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical belt tensioning and regulation systems with electromagnetic induction heating. The magnetic field interacts with the electroconductive belt to generate heat directly, eliminating the need for complex mechanical regulation mechanisms that would increase device complexity and drive load.
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 stabilizes the distance between the belt and the magnetic flux generating means, reducing heat generation non-uniformity and enabling faster heating with improved thermal responsiveness and reduced waiting time.
Implementation Method 1
a rotatable belt member including an electroconductive layer which generates heat by the magnetic flux generated by the magnetic flux generating unit
Implementation Method 2
a fixing device utilizing an induction heating method has been developed
Data Source
AI summary
An image heating apparatus includes a magnetic flux generator for generating magnetic flux; and a rotatable belt including an electroconductive layer which generates heat by the magnetic flux generated by the generator and having flexibility and a cylindrical shape. The generator is outside the belt. The apparatus further includes a back-up member inside the belt member; a rotatable pressor for pressing the belt against the back-up member to form a nip, in which a recording material is nip-conveyed; and a regulator, provided in a sheet passing area of a passable recording material having a maximum size, for regulating movement of the recording material with respect to a longitudinal direction of the belt. The regulator regulates the shape of the belt so that the belt dimension member in a recording material conveying direction is longer than the belt dimension perpendicular to the recording material conveying direction.