Cam Mechanism for Reducing Impact Sound in Fixing Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressurization mechanisms in fixing devices generate impact sounds due to sudden collisions when transitioning between pressurization and pressure release states, particularly at the timing when the pressurization state switches to the pressure release state.
Innovation Solution
A pressurization device with a cam mechanism that includes multiple circumferentially formed cam outer peripheral surfaces at different positions along its rotational axis, allowing the cam to act on a pressurization force variable plate regardless of its phase, thereby reducing the impact sound by gradually changing the pressurization force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a conventional pressurization mechanism with a single cam surface is used, then the structure is simple, but impact sounds are generated due to sudden collisions during state transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The cam surface is segmented into multiple circumferentially formed cam outer peripheral surfaces at different positions in the rotational axis direction. This segmentation allows different surfaces to act on the pressurization force variable plate at different times during rotation, gradually changing the pressurization force instead of sudden collisions, thereby reducing impact sounds while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism performs preliminary action by gradually changing the pressurization force through multiple cam surfaces before the complete state transition. The first cam outer peripheral surface acts on the pressurization force variable plate in advance, preparing the system for the next state and preventing sudden collisions
2Speed
If the cam radius changes abruptly during rotation, then the pressurization force switches quickly, but this causes preceding rotation and collision in the driving unit
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism dynamically changes the pressurization force through multiple circumferentially formed surfaces at different rotational positions. As the cam rotates, different surfaces sequentially act on the pressurization force variable plate, creating a dynamic and gradual force transition rather than an abrupt change, thereby preventing preceding rotation and collision while maintaining quick switching
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
The solution effectively reduces impact sounds due to preceding cam rotations during state transitions, ensuring a smoother operation and minimizing noise generation in the pressurization mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a pressurization spring that pressurizes the heating roller with a pressurization force
Implementation Method 2
a cam that moves the pressurization plate by rotating
Data Source
AI summary
In a cam mechanism including a pressurization member, a pressurization target member and a pressurization force generation member, a cam, a first member that moves the pressurization member by rotation of the cam and applies a pressurization force generated by the pressurization force generation member to the pressurization member, a second member that changes the pressurization force of the pressurization force generation member by the rotation of the cam are provided, wherein the cam includes a plurality of cam outer peripheral surfaces at different position in a rotational axis direction, and a first cam outer peripheral surface among the plurality of cam outer peripheral surfaces does not act on the first member in a positional relationship where at least a part of the first cam outer peripheral surface overlaps the first member.