Resin Frame Shielding in Fixing Device Heaters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Resin frames in fixing devices are prone to deformation due to radiation heat from heaters, which affects their structural integrity and functionality.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a metal frame with a through-hole and a second wall extending between the resin frame and the heater, along with an insulating member and a ceramic member, to shield the resin frame from direct radiation heat, thereby preventing deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a resin frame is used to support the heater, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the resin frame deforms due to radiation heat from the heater
Solution Approach 1:
A metal frame is introduced as an intermediary component between the heater and the resin frame. The metal frame absorbs and shields the radiation heat from the heater, preventing it from reaching the resin frame. This mediator structure allows the resin frame to maintain its manufacturing advantages while protecting it from thermal deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure uses a composite configuration combining metal and resin materials. The metal frame provides thermal resistance to radiation heat, while the resin frame provides ease of manufacture and structural support. This composite approach leverages the complementary strengths of both materials to resolve the contradiction between ease of manufacture and structural stability.
2Volume of moving object
If the resin frame is positioned closer to the heater for compact design, then the device size is reduced, but the resin frame is more severely affected by radiation heat
Solution Approach 1:
The metal frame serves as a thermal shield positioned between the heater and resin frame, allowing compact arrangement while protecting the resin frame from radiation heat. The intermediary structure enables close positioning without direct thermal exposure to the resin components.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal frame is strategically positioned only in the regions where radiation heat exposure occurs, providing localized thermal protection. This allows the resin frame to maintain its compact configuration while receiving protection only where needed against radiation heat.
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 effectively suppresses the deformation of resin frames by shielding them from radiation heat, ensuring the structural stability and longevity of the fixing device components.
Implementation Method 1
suppress the resin frame from being affected (e.g., deteriorated and/or deformed) due to the radiation heat generated from the heater
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes an endless belt, a heater disposed inside the endless belt and being elongated in a longitudinal direction, the heater having a first end portion in the longitudinal direction and a second end portion opposite to the first end portion in the longitudinal direction, a resin frame having a recess portion opening toward an inner side of the endless belt, and a metal frame inserted into the recess portion of the resin frame. The metal frame has a first wall having a through-hole, and a second wall extending in a direction from the first end portion of the heater toward a second end portion of the heater, the second wall being disposed between the resin frame and the heater.