Reflecting Plate Radiant Heat Direction Fixing Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixing devices for electrophotographic image forming apparatuses are inefficient in utilizing radiant heat for thermal fixing of developer images on recording sheets, leading to suboptimal fixing performance.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device comprising a tubular fusing film with a heating element, a nip plate that slides along the fusing film, a reflecting plate to direct radiant heat towards the nip plate, and a stay to support the nip plate and reflecting plate, with flange portions and a thin space between the reflecting plate and stay to enhance heat retention and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a conventional fixing device structure is used, then the device is simple to manufacture, but the radiant heat from the heater is not effectively utilized for thermal fixing
Solution Approach 1:
A reflecting plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the heater and the nip plate. This reflecting plate redirects radiant heat from the heater toward the nip plate, improving heat utilization efficiency without significantly complicating the overall device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The reflecting plate is positioned in a spatial arrangement that utilizes the third dimension (vertical direction) to redirect heat paths. By placing the reflecting plate above the nip plate and angling it to reflect heat downward, the device captures radiant heat that would otherwise be lost in conventional two-dimensional heat transfer arrangements
2Loss of energy
If the reflecting plate is not properly supported, then the device structure is simpler, but heat loss increases and fixing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
A stay with flange portions is introduced as a support structure that mediates between the reflecting plate and the heater assembly. The flange portions contact the reflecting plate to provide stable positioning and support, preventing heat loss while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The support function is achieved through a simple mechanical contact system using flange portions rather than complex mounting brackets or fastening mechanisms. The flange portions rest on or contact the reflecting plate, providing support through basic mechanical principles without requiring additional fasteners or complex assemblies
3Loss of time
If heat transfer efficiency is improved, then startup time is reduced, but heat distribution uniformity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The reflecting plate is designed with specific geometric features (angled surfaces, extended flange portions) that create localized heat concentration zones. The angling of the reflecting plate directs radiant heat preferentially toward specific areas of the nip plate, ensuring uniform heat distribution across the fixing surface while maintaining rapid heat transfer
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 enables efficient heat transfer and retention, reducing startup time and ensuring effective thermal fixing of developer images by quickly heating the nip plate and minimizing heat loss, thus improving the overall fixing process.
Implementation Method 1
a reflecting plate configured to reflect radiant heat from the heating element in a direction toward the nip plate
Implementation Method 2
a heating element disposed inside the fusing film
Implementation Method 3
a fixing device for thermally fixing a developer image transferred onto a recording sheet
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device for thermally fixing a developer image transferred onto a recording sheet, includes: a flexible fusing member which is flexibly deformable; a heating element; a nip member disposed in such a manner as to contact with a surface of the flexible fusing member and to allow the flexible fusing member to slide along the nip member; a reflecting plate configured to reflect radiant heat from the heating element in a direction toward the nip member; a backup member configured to nip the flexible fusing member with the nip member to thereby form a nip portion for the recording sheet between the flexible fusing member and the backup member; and a stay configured to support both end portions of the nip member. The reflecting plate has at least one flange portion, and the flange portion is held and supported between the nip member and the stay.