Multi-Layer Metal Fixing Member for Fast Induction Heating
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current fixing members for electromagnetic induction heating in image forming devices face challenges such as prolonged warming-up times and durability issues due to high heat capacity and mechanical stress, leading to inefficiencies and image quality defects.
Innovation Solution
A fixing member with a heat-resistant resin layer, multiple metal layers, and a releasing layer, where the specific resistance of the outer metal layer is higher than the inner layer, and the modulus of internal stress is 5 kg/mm2 or less, providing enhanced durability and reduced warming-up time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a thick metal heating layer is used to ensure durability and mechanical strength, then reliability is improved, but warming-up time increases due to high heat capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The metal heating layer is divided into multiple layers with different specific resistances. The outer layer has higher specific resistance and lower heat capacity for fast heating, while the inner layer has lower specific resistance and provides structural support and durability. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the metal heating layer structure are assigned different properties: the outer layer is designed with higher specific resistance for efficient electromagnetic induction heating and rapid temperature rise, while the inner layer is designed with lower specific resistance for structural integrity and durability. This local differentiation of properties resolves the contradiction between speed and strength.
2Productivity
If continuous standby heating is applied to maintain surface temperature, then productivity is improved by reducing waiting time, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing member utilizes periodic electromagnetic induction heating cycles rather than continuous heating. The thin outer metal layer with high specific resistance enables rapid heating during active cycles, allowing the system to achieve temperature maintenance with intermittent energy input rather than continuous power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the thermal and electrical parameters of the heating layer by using a thin metal layer with high specific resistance. This parameter change enables faster thermal response time, allowing the system to heat up quickly when needed and reduce energy consumption during standby periods while maintaining acceptable performance.
3Device complexity
If a single metal layer is used to simplify structure, then device complexity is reduced, but durability under mechanical stress deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The metal heating layer is segmented into multiple layers, each with specific functions. The outer layer with higher specific resistance provides efficient heating, while the inner layer with lower specific resistance provides structural support and stress resistance. This segmentation improves durability without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite metal layer structure where layers with different specific resistances are combined. This composite structure leverages the advantages of each layer: the outer layer optimizes for electromagnetic heating efficiency while the inner layer optimizes for mechanical durability, achieving both goals simultaneously.
4Loss of time
If a thin metal heating layer is used to reduce heat capacity, then warming-up time is reduced, but durability under repeated flexing stress deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The heating structure is segmented into a thin outer layer for rapid heating and an inner layer for structural strength. The outer layer's thinness reduces heat capacity and warming-up time, while the inner layer's presence maintains durability under flexing stress, resolving the contradiction between speed and strength.
Solution Approach 2:
Different thickness and material properties are assigned to different layers: the outer layer is thin with high specific resistance for fast thermal response, while the inner layer is thicker with lower specific resistance for mechanical durability. This local quality differentiation allows the system to achieve both rapid heating and long-term durability.
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 solution significantly reduces warming-up time and enhances durability by using a protective metal layer with higher specific resistance and a heat-resistant resin substrate, maintaining image quality and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
A metal heating layer in either the shape of a roll or a belt can be used as the heat-fixing member, which is heated by electromagnetic induction
Implementation Method 2
The magnetic flux crosses the metal heating layer of the heat-fixing member arranged near the coil, generating an eddy current that in turn generates a magnetic field
Implementation Method 3
the electric energy of the generated eddy current is converted to thermal energy. A fixing device using heat generated in this manner
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a fixing member having a heat resistant resin layer, a metal layer having two or more layers, and a releasing layer, in this order from the inner peripheral side, wherein a specific resistance of the metal layer disposed at the outer peripheral side is larger than a specific resistance of the metal layer disposed at the inner peripheral side in the at least two metal layers, and a modulus of an internal stress of the metal layer disposed at the outer peripheral side is 5 kg/mm2 or less. Further, a fixing device includes the fixing member, an electromagnetic induction heating device in which an electric field is applied to the fixing member, and a press member which press-contact the surface of a releasing layer of the fixing member. Furthermore, an image forming device having this fixing device is provided.