Laminated Heat Generating Layer for Electromagnetic Induction Fixing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fixing devices in electrophotographic image forming systems face challenges with cracking and deformation of heat generating layers due to repetitive heating and cooling cycles, leading to inefficient heat generation and image fixation.

Innovation Solution

A laminated body structure comprising a heat generating layer with crystal grains of a first non-magnetic metal and a base layer of a second non-magnetic metal, along with a protective, elastic, and resin layer, formed through plastic deformation and electromagnetic induction for efficient heat generation and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a heat generating layer is used in a fixing device, then heat generation efficiency is improved, but cracking and deformation occur due to repetitive heating and cooling cycles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat generation efficiencyVSAvoiddurability against cracking
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by creating a laminated structure consisting of a heat generating layer (with crystal grains of non-magnetic metal) and a base layer (with different non-magnetic metal). This composite structure combines the high heat generation efficiency of the heat generating layer with the cracking resistance of the base layer, resolving the contradiction between heat generation efficiency and durability against cracking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If a heat generating layer is used for efficient heat generation, then image fixation efficiency is improved, but deformation occurs due to thermal stress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage fixation efficiencyVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The laminated composite structure with heat generating layer and base layer maintains structural stability during thermal cycling while preserving efficient heat generation capability, thus improving image fixation efficiency without causing deformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the heat generating layer by forming crystal grains of non-magnetic metal, which modifies the thermal and mechanical properties to reduce thermal stress and prevent deformation during repeated heating and cooling cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 laminated body structure enhances durability against cracking and maintains efficient heat generation by electromagnetic induction, ensuring stable image fixation and extended device lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

heat generation by means of electromagnetic induction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS7593681B2Laminated body, endless belt, fixing device, and image forming device
Publication Date: 2009.09.22 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP
  • US7593681B2 patent drawing
  • US7593681B2 patent drawing
  • US7593681B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A laminated body has a heat generating layer having crystal grains of a first non-magnetic metal, and a base layer containing a second non-magnetic metal that is different from the first non-magnetic metal.