Reflector Span for Compact Fixing Device Heat Retention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In compact fixing devices for image forming apparatuses, it is challenging to effectively utilize heat while minimizing space, as components like reflectors or heat shields must avoid interfering with temperature sensors and separators, leading to inefficient heat retention and potential overheating.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a support for a nip formation assembly and a heater within the fixing device, with a reflector positioned to span a reduced circumferential span of the fixing rotator, allowing for efficient heat reflection and minimizing space usage by moving the heat shield between direct and indirect heating spans.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the reflector or heat shield is disposed opposite the fixing rotator in an increased circumferential span to suppress heat dissipation, then heat retention is improved, but the device occupies more space and may interfere with the temperature sensor and separator
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector is positioned to provide localized heat reflection only at the specific circumferential position where the fixing rotator is spaced apart from the support with a decreased interval. This targeted approach reflects heat back to the fixing rotator where it is most needed without requiring the reflector to span the entire circumferential area, thus reducing space occupation while maintaining effective heat retention.
2Loss of energy
If the reflector or heat shield is disposed opposite the fixing rotator in an increased circumferential span to suppress heat dissipation, then heat retention is improved, but interference with the temperature sensor and separator occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector is strategically positioned to span only the specific circumferential span where the fixing rotator is spaced apart from the support with a decreased interval. This localized positioning ensures that the reflector provides heat reflection exactly where the gap exists without extending into areas occupied by the temperature sensor and separator, thereby avoiding interference with these components while still achieving effective heat retention.
3Volume of moving object
If the fixing device is made compact to reduce space, then device size is reduced, but it becomes difficult to effectively retain heat due to limited space for reflector placement
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector is positioned to provide localized heat reflection only at the specific circumferential position where the fixing rotator is spaced apart from the support with a decreased interval. This targeted approach allows effective heat retention in a compact configuration by focusing heat reflection precisely where the gap exists, without requiring the reflector to occupy a large circumferential area.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector is positioned to dynamically adapt to the varying gap between the fixing rotator and support. By spanning the circumferential span where the interval is decreased, the reflector effectively captures and reflects heat back to the fixing rotator at the location where heat loss is most significant, optimizing heat retention in the compact device structure.
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 configuration enhances heat retention within the fixing device, preventing overheating and ensuring consistent temperature control, thereby improving the fixing process efficiency and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a reflector, disposed opposite an outer circumferential surface of the fixing rotator, reflects heat radiated from the fixing rotator onto the fixing rotator
Implementation Method 2
a heater, disposed opposite the inner circumferential surface of the fixing rotator, heats the fixing rotator
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a fixing rotator rotatable in a predetermined direction of rotation and a nip formation assembly contacting an inner circumferential surface of the fixing rotator. An opposed rotator presses against the nip formation assembly via the fixing rotator to form a fixing nip between the fixing rotator and the opposed rotator, through which a recording medium is conveyed. A support, disposed opposite the inner circumferential surface of the fixing rotator, supports the nip formation assembly. A heater, disposed opposite the inner circumferential surface of the fixing rotator, heats the fixing rotator. A reflector, disposed opposite an outer circumferential surface of the fixing rotator, reflects heat radiated from the fixing rotator onto the fixing rotator. The reflector spans a circumferential span of the fixing rotator where the fixing rotator is spaced apart from the support with a decreased interval therebetween.