Conductive Fixing Film Layout to Prevent End Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fixing devices using a cylindrical film with a conductive layer for heat generation are prone to damage and increased electrical resistance due to restricted film movement, leading to heat generation failures.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device design with a cylindrical film comprising a base layer, conductive layer, and restriction members that restrict film movement, where the conductive layer is absent at film end portions, ensuring electrical current flows only between end portions, adhering to specific width and distance relationships to prevent damage and resistance increase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a restriction member is used to restrict the movement of the film, then the film shift is controlled, but the film may become damaged at the end surfaces where the restriction member contacts the film
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive layer is extracted or removed from the end portions of the film where the restriction member contacts the film. This eliminates the harmful interaction between the restriction member and the conductive layer at the contact points, preventing damage to the conductive layer while maintaining its heat generation function in the central region.
Solution Approach 2:
The film structure is made non-uniform by providing the conductive layer only in the central region and excluding it from the end portions. This local differentiation allows the end portions to withstand contact with the restriction member without damage, while the central region maintains full heat generation capability.
2Power
If the conductive layer is present at the end portions of the film, then the heat generation area is maximized, but the electrical resistance increases when the film contacts the restriction member
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive layer is extracted from the end portions of the film to prevent contact damage. Although this reduces the total heat generation area slightly, it ensures that the conductive layer in the central region remains undamaged and maintains stable electrical resistance, preventing heat generation failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive layer is selectively provided only in the central region of the film where it performs its heat generation function without being subjected to mechanical contact stress. The end portions are designed as non-conductive zones that accommodate the restriction member contact, creating a functional gradient across the film length.
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 design effectively suppresses electrical resistance increase and prevents film damage, ensuring uniform heat application and fixing performance across various paper sizes.
Implementation Method 1
electrical current flows to the conductive layer in a circling direction to cause the conductive layer to generate Joule heat
Data Source
AI summary
In the fixing device according to the present invention, a relationship D>R+C−F is satisfied where F is a width of a film. C is a width of a conductive layer. R is a distance between two restriction surfaces, and D is a width of a pressure member.