Infrared Light Guiding Unit for Multi-Element Temperature Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses require multiple temperature measuring elements to measure the temperature of each heating unit in a fixing device, which complicates the configuration and makes it difficult to efficiently measure the temperature of heaters divided orthogonally to the paper conveying direction.
Innovation Solution
A temperature measuring device that uses a common temperature measuring element and a light guiding unit with multiple light guides to receive infrared rays emitted from each heating unit, allowing the measurement of multiple heating units with a single sensor by guiding the infrared rays to a thermopile array sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple temperature measuring elements are used to measure each heating unit, then temperature measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple temperature measurement functions into a single temperature measuring element by using a light guiding unit with multiple light guides that all direct light to one sensor. This merging approach maintains measurement capability for multiple heating units while reducing the number of separate measuring elements needed
Solution Approach 2:
The light guiding unit acts as an intermediary between the multiple heating units and the single temperature measuring element. Each light guide independently captures infrared radiation from its corresponding heating unit and directs it to the common sensor, enabling the sensor to sequentially or simultaneously measure temperatures of multiple heating units
2Measurement precision
If multiple temperature measuring elements are used, then temperature measurement capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple measurement functions into a single measuring element setup, reducing component count and assembly complexity. By using one temperature measuring element with multiple light guides instead of multiple separate measuring elements, manufacturing cost is reduced while maintaining the capability to measure multiple heating units
3Device complexity
If a single temperature measuring element is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The light guiding unit serves as an intermediary system that enables a single temperature measuring element to measure multiple heating units. Each light guide is positioned to receive infrared radiation from a specific heating unit and directs it to the common sensor, preserving measurement capability while simplifying the overall device configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent spatially separates the light gathering function (multiple light guides positioned at different locations) from the measurement function (single temperature measuring element). This dimensional separation allows one sensor to access thermal information from multiple heating units through dedicated optical paths
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 simplifies the configuration of the image forming apparatus by allowing a single temperature measuring element to measure the temperatures of multiple heating units, reducing the need for multiple sensors and enhancing design flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature measuring element positioned to receive infrared rays emitted from each of the heating elements
Implementation Method 2
a light guiding unit including a plurality of light guides, one for each of the heating elements, each light guide being configured to guide the infrared ray emitted from a respective one of the heating elements to the temperature measuring element
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature measuring device for measuring temperatures of a plurality of heating elements, includes a temperature measuring element positioned to receive infrared rays emitted from each of the heating elements and to output a signal corresponding to an intensity of the light reception, and a light guiding unit including a plurality of light guides, one for each of the heating elements, each light guide being configured to guide the infrared ray emitted from a respective one of the heating elements to the temperature measuring element.