Detachable Thermopile Support for Heating Roller Temperature Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drying devices for inkjet recording apparatuses face challenges in accurately detecting and controlling the surface temperature of heating rollers, leading to inconsistent drying processes and reduced durability of ink fixation.

Innovation Solution

A supporting structure for a temperature sensor is introduced, featuring a first supporting member with detachable second members that securely position a thermopile unit between the front and rear panels of the drying device, allowing precise temperature detection and easy maintenance, while also optimizing the flow of cooling air for improved accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a fixed supporting structure is used for the temperature sensor, then the temperature detection position is stable, but the maintenance and replacement of the sensor becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor replacement difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting structure is divided into a first supporting member that is fixed to the housing and a second supporting member that can be detached from the first. The temperature sensor is mounted on the detachable second supporting member, allowing the sensor to be easily removed and replaced while maintaining a stable detection position when installed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The supporting structure transitions from a completely fixed design to a dynamic system where the second supporting member can be detached. This allows the structure to adapt between providing stable support during operation and enabling easy access for maintenance, resolving the contradiction between stability and serviceability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If the temperature sensor is directly fixed to the housing, then the structure is simple, but the sensor cannot be easily removed for maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupporting structure simplicityVSAvoidsensor accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting structure is segmented into two distinct members: a first supporting member fixed to the housing and a second supporting member that can be detached. This segmentation adds minimal complexity while dramatically improving maintenance accessibility, as the sensor can be accessed by removing only the second member rather than disassembling the entire structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If the temperature sensor position is not precisely controlled, then the structure is simpler, but the temperature detection accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning mechanism complexityVSAvoidtemperature detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The second supporting member acts as an intermediary between the fixed first supporting member and the temperature sensor. It includes a positioning portion that precisely positions the sensor while allowing the sensor to be easily attached and detached. This intermediary structure provides precise positioning without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 enhances the accuracy of temperature detection on heating rollers, stabilizes the posture of the thermopile, and facilitates easy maintenance, resulting in improved ink fixation durability and consistent drying processes.

Implementation Method 1

the temperature of such an integrated heat source is controlled using a temperature sensor such as a thermopile

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermopile: Thermopile

Data Source

PatentUS20230391107A1Supporting structure for temperature sensor and drying device
Publication Date: 2023.12.07 RICOH CO LTD
  • US20230391107A1 patent drawing
  • US20230391107A1 patent drawing
  • US20230391107A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A supporting structure for a temperature sensor, and a drying device provided with the supporting structure. The supporting structure includes a front panel, a rear panel, a first supporting member having both ends in a longer-side direction of the first supporting member, and a second supporting member attachable to and detachable from the first supporting member. In the supporting structure, both ends of the first supporting member are removably supported by the front panel and the rear panel. In the supporting structure, the temperature sensor is disposed on the second supporting member, and the temperature sensor detects a surface temperature of a heating roller disposed between the front panel and the rear panel.