Electron Beam Fluorinated Resin Nip Plate Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electrophotographic imaging apparatuses, the fixing belt experiences wear and tear due to friction with the pressing member, leading to a shortened lifespan and deteriorated fixing performance, especially in high-speed printing and low-energy fixing methods.
Innovation Solution
The use of an electron beam-irradiated fluorinated resin film with a low coefficient of friction and high mechanical strength is attached to the pressing member, minimizing abrasion between the fixing belt and the pressing member, and enhancing the sliding properties to reduce wear and tear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional pressing member is used in high-speed printing and low-energy fixing, then printing speed and energy efficiency are improved, but the fixing belt experiences accelerated wear and shortened lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing member surface is modified by changing its material parameters through coating with fluorinated resin or applying surface treatment, transforming it from a conventional high-friction surface to a low-friction surface that reduces wear on the fixing belt while maintaining high-speed printing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing member is constructed as a composite structure combining a base material (such as metal or polymer) with a surface coating layer (fluorinated resin or other low-friction material), where the composite structure provides both mechanical strength and reduced friction properties to extend fixing belt lifespan
2Device complexity
If a conventional pressing member is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but friction causes deteriorated fixing performance and image defects
Solution Approach 1:
The surface friction parameter of the pressing member is modified through material selection or surface treatment, changing it from high friction to low friction to prevent fixing performance deterioration and image defects while keeping the overall device structure simple
Solution Approach 2:
The conventional mechanical contact interface is replaced by introducing a low-friction material layer or coating that substitutes the high-friction mechanical interaction with a low-friction interface, reducing wear and maintaining stable fixing performance
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 extends the lifespan of the fixing device, maintains performance stability, and prevents image defects caused by temperature differences, enabling efficient high-speed printing and low-energy fixing over an extended period.
Implementation Method 1
a surface of the pressing member 220 is coated with grease, and thus wearing of the fixing belt 210 and the nip plate 220b, which occurs by friction between the fixing belt 210 and the nip plate 220b
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a pressing member including a nip plate, and an electron beam-irradiated fluorinated resin film is to be on an outer surface of the nip plate facing toward the backup member.