Belt Guide Stabilization in Fixing Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixing devices experience wobble issues between the belt guide and frame, leading to increased skewing forces and pressure unbalance, which affects the assembly and operation of the fixing belt, resulting in defects and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device design that includes a pressure roller, an endless-shaped fixing belt, a pressure-contacting member, a belt guide rotatably supporting both ends of the fixing belt, and first and second frames that slidably support the belt guide, with convex-shaped support parts on the frames to maintain stability and a pressure member to ensure proper pressure contact, allowing the belt guide to be positioned to reduce wobble and enhance assembly performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the belt guide is supported by the frame with a small gap to reduce wobble, then the wobble and skewing force are reduced, but the assembly performance is degraded and smooth operation is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple convex-shaped support parts distributed along the belt guide. This segmentation allows the belt guide to be supported at multiple discrete points, providing stability while maintaining gaps between support points that facilitate assembly and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The convex-shaped support parts are strategically positioned at specific locations along the belt guide where support is most needed. This local quality approach provides targeted stabilization without requiring continuous contact, thus maintaining assembly performance and smooth operation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the gap between the belt guide and frame is reduced to minimize wobble, then skewing force decreases, but pressure unbalance occurs in the nip surface
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple convex-shaped support parts are distributed along the belt guide to provide localized support points. This segmentation allows the belt guide to maintain stable positioning without continuous contact, preventing pressure unbalance in the nip surface while still reducing wobble.
Solution Approach 2:
The belt guide is designed to be slidable between the convex-shaped support parts, allowing dynamic adjustment during operation. This enables the belt guide to adapt its position to maintain proper pressure balance in the nip surface while still providing wobble reduction through the convex support structure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If convex-shaped support parts are provided on the frames to stabilize the belt guide, then wobble is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Convex-shaped support parts are provided only at specific critical locations on the frames where belt guide support is needed, rather than throughout the entire structure. This localized approach provides necessary stability while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The convex-shaped support parts use curved surfaces that naturally conform to the belt guide, providing stable support through simple geometric forms. This curvature-based design achieves stability without requiring complex mechanical structures.
Data Source
AI summary
First and second frame parts 400a and 400b support a belt guide 431 by interposing the belt guide 431 therebetween. The first frame part 400a is disposed at a downstream side of in rotation direction of a pressure roller 44 than the second frame part 400b when seeing it in a direction parallel to a rotation axis of the pressure roller 44. A convex-shaped first belt guide support part 401a for supporting the belt guide 431 is provided on a surface of the first frame part 400a, which faces the second frame part 400b. A convex-shaped second belt guide support part 401b for supporting the belt guide 431 is provided on a surface of the second frame part 400b, which faces the first frame part 400a, at a position, which is more separated from the pressure roller 44 than the first belt guide support part 401a.