Reflecting Member for Uniform Infrared Heating of 3D Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming systems, non-contact heating methods using infrared rays struggle to uniformly heat objects with three-dimensional shapes, leading to temperature inconsistencies and fixing failures due to linear propagation of electromagnetic waves, which can be mitigated by adjusting the object's position but require a new mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A holding device with a support member and a reflecting member that reflects light from a light source to irradiate the lower surface of an object with a three-dimensional shape, ensuring uniform heating without the need for extensive mechanism changes, by using a jig with a base, support member, and reflecting mirror to direct far-infrared rays to the lower surface of the object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If non-contact heating method using infrared rays is used to fix toner image on three-dimensional object, then fixing can be achieved without contact, but uniform heating cannot be achieved due to linear propagation of infrared rays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reflecting member positioned below the object to reflect infrared rays upward, adding a second heating path from the bottom side. This multi-directional approach (top + bottom heating) ensures uniform temperature distribution across the entire object surface, resolving the non-uniform heating problem caused by single-direction linear propagation
2Temperature
If the position of the object is changed during irradiation to achieve uniform heating, then temperature uniformity can be improved, but a new mechanism for rotating or moving the object is required
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving or rotating the object in space, the patent adds a reflecting member in the vertical dimension below the object. This allows infrared rays to reach the bottom surface by reflection, achieving uniform heating without requiring any complex rotation or translation mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The reflecting member acts as an intermediary element that redirects infrared rays from the light source to illuminate the bottom surface of the object. This mediator approach enables uniform heating while keeping both the light source and object stationary, avoiding the need for complex positioning mechanisms
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 solution reduces fixing failures by ensuring that all parts of the object are adequately heated, maintaining the effectiveness of the toner image fixation process without the necessity of rotating the object within the heating chamber, thus minimizing the need for new mechanism design.
Implementation Method 1
a reflecting member that is attached to the base, that reflects light emitted from a light source provided above the object
Implementation Method 2
Infrared rays or the like, which are a type of electromagnetic waves, propagate linearly
Data Source
AI summary
A holding device includes: a base; a support member that is attached to the base and supports an object having a three-dimensional shape, to which a toner image has been transferred, in a state in which the object is not in contact with an upper surface of the base; and a reflecting member that is attached to the base, that reflects light emitted from a light source provided above the object in a state of being supported by the support member, and that irradiates at least a lower surface side of the object.