Induction Heating Roller Segmentation for Thermal Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, the existing fixing devices face challenges in optimizing thermal efficiency due to heat energy diffusion, leading to uneven heating, which affects fixing quality, particularly in color printing, and results in energy inefficiency and potential mechanical issues like warpage and speed irregularity.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a heat generating member group comprising independently operable heat generating portions arranged along the width of an endless belt, allowing for precise heating control through adjustable temperature rising rates and selective electric conduction, ensuring even heating only at the image fixing region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a lamp or induction heating unit is used as a heat source, then the fixing device can generate heat for image fixing, but heat energy diffuses to regions that do not contribute to fixing, reducing thermal efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The heating roller is divided into multiple independently controllable heating sections along its circumference. Each section can be selectively heated based on the position of the imaging medium, preventing heat diffusion to unused regions and improving thermal efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the heating roller are controlled to have different heating states. Only the sections corresponding to the current imaging medium position are activated, creating localized heating quality that matches the actual fixing requirement and reduces energy waste.
2Loss of energy
If the fixing device heats only the region that contributes to fixing, then thermal efficiency is maximized, but uneven heating occurs affecting fixing quality
Solution Approach 1:
The heating roller operates in a dynamic manner where the control unit adjusts the heating state of different sections based on the real-time position of the imaging medium. This dynamic control ensures even heating distribution while maintaining high thermal efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit monitors the position of the imaging medium and adjusts the heating roller sections accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that heating is evenly distributed across the actual imaging area, preventing fixing quality issues while maximizing energy efficiency.
3Manufacturing precision
If heat generating portions are arranged along the width of the endless belt, then precise heating control is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple heating elements are merged into a single integrated heating roller structure. The control unit manages all heating sections through a unified control system, which simplifies the overall device architecture while maintaining precise heating control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating roller serves multiple functions: it heats the imaging medium, positions the heat generation zones, and distributes thermal energy evenly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while achieving precise heating control.
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 stabilizes heating at the sheet passing region, reduces energy consumption, and maintains fixing quality by optimizing thermal efficiency and minimizing unnecessary heating, thus preventing mechanical issues and enhancing energy savings.
Implementation Method 1
an induction heating unit that generates heat by electromagnetic induction
Implementation Method 2
heat generating member group comprising independently operable heat generating portions arranged along a width direction of the endless belt
Data Source
AI summary
A heat generating member includes a plurality of heat generating portions configured to generate heat and including a first heat generating portion having a meandering shape, and a plurality of second heat generating portions between two of which the first heat generating portion is disposed.