Solid-Phase Heat Storage Fixing Device for Energy Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices in electrophotographic image forming apparatuses require complex configurations to prevent liquid leakage when using heat storage materials that change phases, complicating energy-saving efforts by necessitating configurations to manage liquid phases for heat storage and radiation.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device utilizing a heat storage material that changes between two solid phases with different energy states, where the phase change is induced by external energy and pressure, allowing for energy storage and radiation without liquid phase changes, thus simplifying the configuration by using Ti3O5 or similar materials that change phases between β-Ti3O5 and λ-Ti3O5, and employing a thermoelectric element to convert thermal energy into electric energy for phase change management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If a heat storage material that changes from liquid phase to solid phase is used for energy saving, then energy necessary to heat the fixing device can be reduced, but a configuration preventing liquid leakage is required which complicates the device configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of a heat storage material, specifically transitioning from solid phase to liquid phase and back to solid phase, to store and release heat energy. This enables energy saving by reducing the energy necessary to heat the fixing device while maintaining a relatively simple configuration without requiring complex liquid leakage prevention mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the heat storage material by controlling temperature and pressure conditions to induce phase transitions. By adjusting these parameters, the material can store heat in liquid phase and release it when solidifying, achieving energy saving without complicating the device structure.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If a heat storage material is used to reduce energy consumption, then energy saving is achieved, but the material must change phases which requires additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The heat storage material automatically undergoes phase transitions based on temperature and pressure conditions without requiring external control mechanisms. The material self-regulates its phase state to store and release heat, achieving energy saving without adding complex automation or control systems to the fixing device.
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 enables energy-saving by reducing the thermal energy needed for heating, simplifying the device configuration, and efficiently managing heat storage and radiation, while maintaining the heat storage state until the next printing process, thus enhancing energy efficiency and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a heat storage material that changes between a liquid phase and a solid phase is used to achieve the energy saving. The heat storage material changes from the solid phase to the liquid phase after the printing, thereby absorbing heat. When a shock is given to the heat storage material at the beginning of the printing, the heat storage material changes from the liquid phase to the solid phase, whereby the heat storage material radiates the heat by the phase change
Implementation Method 2
employing a thermoelectric element to convert thermal energy into electric energy for phase change management
Implementation Method 3
a heating unit configured to heat at least one of the fixing member and the pressurizing member to provide heat to the sheet passing through the contact portion
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes: a fixing member; a pressurizing member provided in contact with the fixing member and configured to pressurize a sheet passing through a contact portion between the fixing member and the pressurizing member, against the fixing member; and a heater configured to heat the fixing member to provide heat to the sheet passing through the contact portion. The fixing member includes a heat storage material having a property that changes, by external energy, from a first solid phase to a second solid phase whose internal energy is higher than that of the first solid phase, and a property that changes from the second solid phase to the first solid phase by pressure and radiates heat during the phase change. The external energy includes thermal energy of the fixing member heated with the heater. The pressure includes a contact pressure between the fixing member and the pressurizing member.