Planar Heater Connector Assembly for Stable Fixing Belt Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
The sliding contact terminal of the connector with the electrode in a planar heater results in the scraping and peeling off of the anti-sulfurization agent, leading to poor electric connection in the fixing device.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device design that includes a cylindrical fixing belt, a planar heater supported by a heater holder, a connector with a contact terminal, and an insulation sheet with openings to cover the electrode, ensuring the contact terminal slides over the insulation sheet and avoids direct contact with the electrode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the connector is mounted along the surface of the planar heater to hold the heater holder and planar heater, then the connector can effectively connect and secure the components, but the contact terminal slides with respect to the electrode portion causing the anti-sulfurization agent to be scraped and peeled off, resulting in poor electric connection
Solution Approach 1:
An insulation sheet is introduced as an intermediary component between the contact terminal and the electrode portion. The insulation sheet has a sliding surface that the contact terminal slides over, preventing direct contact between the contact terminal and the electrode portion. This mediator protects the electrode portion from scraping while maintaining the electrical connection function through the insulation sheet's conductive structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulation sheet is divided into distinct functional regions: a sliding surface portion that contacts the contact terminal, an electrode coverage portion that protects the electrode, and a connection portion that maintains electrical conductivity. This segmentation allows each region to perform its specific function optimally while working together as a integrated solution.
2Ease of manufacture
If the contact terminal slides with respect to the electrode portion during connector mounting, then the connector can be attached along the heater surface, but the sliding action scrapes and peels off the anti-sulfurization agent, leading to degraded electric connection
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation sheet serves as a protective intermediary during the connector assembly process. Its sliding surface allows the contact terminal to slide smoothly during attachment while preventing direct contact with the electrode portion, thereby preserving the anti-sulfurization agent coating and electrode surface integrity during manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulation sheet is pre-installed on the planar heater before the connector is attached. This preliminary action ensures that the electrode portion is already protected when the connector assembly process begins, preventing any potential damage to the anti-sulfurization agent during subsequent connector attachment operations.
3Power
If the contact terminal directly contacts the electrode portion for electrical connection, then efficient power transmission is achieved, but the contact terminal deforms and the anti-sulfurization agent is removed, resulting in poor electric connection
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation sheet acts as a mediator that maintains power transmission efficiency while protecting the electrode portion. The insulation sheet's conductive structure allows electrical current to pass through effectively, ensuring efficient power transmission to the planar heater, while simultaneously preventing the contact terminal from deforming or removing the anti-sulfurization agent.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulation sheet is designed as a thin film structure that flexes and deforms elastically during connector attachment and operation. This flexibility allows the insulation sheet to accommodate the sliding motion of the contact terminal while maintaining continuous electrical connection and protecting the electrode portion from mechanical damage.
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 design prevents abrasion and deformation of the electrode, maintaining reliable power supply to the planar heater and ensuring stable electric connection.
Implementation Method 1
The planar heater generates heat when an electrode is powered
Implementation Method 2
The insulation sheet has an opening for passing the contact terminal and covers the electrode of the planar heater
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a fixing belt, a planer heater, a heater holder, a connector, and an insulation sheet. The fixing belt is cylindrical. The planar heater generates heat when an electrode is powered. The heater holder supports the planar heater in contact with an inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt. The connector is attached along a direction along a surface of the planar heater so as to hold the heater holder and the planar heater, and has a contact terminal electrically connected to the electrode. The insulation sheet has an opening for passing the contact terminal and covers the electrode of the planar heater.