Metal Frame Bends for Sensor Positioning Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fixing devices for thermally fixing toner images on sheets lack sufficient rigidity, which affects the positional accuracy of temperature sensors used to monitor the heating process.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a metal frame that includes a first fixing member, a second fixing member, a heater, a temperature sensor, and a sensor holder, where the frame is designed with specific bends forming acute and right angles to enhance rigidity and positional accuracy, allowing improved detection of temperature by the sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a metal frame is used to increase rigidity, then positional accuracy of the temperature sensor is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The metal frame is divided into multiple walls (first wall, second wall, third wall, fourth wall) connected by bends, creating a segmented structure that enhances rigidity while maintaining manufacturability. Each wall segment can be independently positioned and connected, allowing precise sensor mounting without requiring a monolithic complex frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame incorporates bent shapes at the connections between walls, using curvature to distribute stress and enhance structural rigidity. The bent configurations (acute angles between walls) provide mechanical strength while maintaining a compact form factor, avoiding the need for overly complex rigid structures.
2Device complexity
If the frame structure is simplified, then device complexity is reduced, but rigidity and positional accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than making the entire frame complex, the invention applies rigidity-enhancing features locally at critical positions. The bent connections between specific walls (particularly the acute angle between first and second walls) provide localized reinforcement where the temperature sensor requires stable positioning, while other parts of the frame remain simpler in design.
3Measurement precision
If the frame rigidity is increased with multiple bends and walls, then positional accuracy is improved, but manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is designed as a series of discrete wall segments connected by bends, which can be manufactured using standard sheet metal forming and bending processes. This segmented approach allows each wall and bend to be produced independently using conventional manufacturing equipment, avoiding the need for complex monolithic forming operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The bent connections between walls utilize standard bending radii and angles that can be achieved with conventional press brake equipment. The acute angles and curved transitions are designed to match typical manufacturing capabilities, ensuring that the rigidity-enhancing geometry can be produced without requiring specialized or overly complex manufacturing processes.
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 increased rigidity of the metal frame improves the positional accuracy of temperature sensors, ensuring precise temperature monitoring and effective thermal fixing of toner images, while maintaining structural integrity and heat retention.
Implementation Method 1
The heater heats the first fixing member or the second fixing member
Implementation Method 2
The temperature sensor detects a temperature of the first fixing member or the second fixing member
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a first fixing member, a second fixing member, a heater, a temperature sensor, a sensor holder, and a first frame. The temperature sensor detects a temperature of the first fixing member or the second fixing member. The sensor holder is configured to hold the temperature sensor and is fixed on the first frame. The first frame is made of metal and includes a first bend, a second bend, a third bend, a first wall, a second wall, a third wall, and a fourth wall. The second wall is connected to the first wall via the first bend. The third wall is connected to the second wall via the second bend. The fourth wall is connected to the third wall via the third bend. The first wall and the second wall form an acute angle.