Inductive Heating Fixing Member for High-Speed Printing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printing apparatuses face limitations in high-speed fixing of marking materials onto media due to temperature constraints and complexity in heating mechanisms, particularly in roll-type and belt-type fixing devices, which require high current and frequency for induction heating.

Innovation Solution

The use of ferromagnetic materials with high relative magnetic permeability and electrically resistive susceptor layers in conjunction with a magnetic field generator for inductive heating, reducing the need for high current and frequency while simplifying device architecture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional heating mechanisms are used in roll-type and belt-type fixing devices, then high current and frequency are required for induction heating, but this increases device complexity and power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing speedVSAvoidheating mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the magnetic properties of the fixing member by incorporating ferromagnetic materials with high relative magnetic permeability (greater than 1). This parameter change enables efficient induction heating at reduced current and frequency levels, directly resolving the contradiction between productivity improvement and device complexity reduction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing member uses a composite structure combining ferromagnetic materials (for magnetic permeability) with electrically resistive susceptor layers (for heat generation). This composite material approach enables effective induction heating while reducing the complexity of heating mechanisms and power requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If conventional heating mechanisms are used in roll-type and belt-type fixing devices, then high current and frequency are required for induction heating, but this increases power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing speedVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By changing the magnetic parameters of the fixing member (incorporating ferromagnetic materials with high relative magnetic permeability), the system achieves efficient heating at lower current and frequency levels, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining high fixing speed productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional resistive heating mechanisms with induction heating technology. This substitution uses electromagnetic fields to directly induce currents in the susceptor layer, which is more energy-efficient than conventional heating methods, thus reducing power consumption while maintaining high productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 approach enables high-speed fixing of marking materials with reduced power consumption and device complexity, achieving efficient temperature control and uniform heating in printing apparatuses.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic field generator for generating a magnetic field to inductively heat the second member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Implementation Method 2

a magnetic field generator for generating a magnetic field to inductively heat the second member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

the susceptor comprising at least one electrically resistive metal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS8283614B2Apparatuses useful in printing and methods of fixing marking materials onto media

Publication Date: 2012.10.09 XEROX CORP

AI summary

Apparatuses useful for printing and methods of fixing marking materials onto media are disclosed. An exemplary embodiment of the apparatuses useful in printing includes a first member including a first surface; a second member comprising at least one ferromagnetic material having a relative magnetic permeability greater than 1, a susceptor over the at least one ferromagnetic material, the susceptor comprising at least one electrically resistive metal, and a second surface over the at least one ferromagnetic material and the susceptor, the second surface forming a nip with the first surface at which media are received; and a magnetic field generator for generating a magnetic field to inductively heat the second member.