Fixing Apparatus Lock Member Distributes Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing apparatuses with film heating processes face issues where the connector can displace, causing damage to the heater due to external forces, as the existing locking mechanisms do not effectively distribute external forces away from the heater.
Innovation Solution
A fixing apparatus with a cylindrical film in contact with a recording medium, a heater, restricting members to prevent film movement, and a lock member that maintains the positions of the restricting member and connector relative to each other, preventing external forces from damaging the heater.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the connector is directly locked to the heater to prevent displacement, then the connector displacement is restricted, but the heater sustains damage when external force is applied to the connector
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into three distinct components: the connector, the restricting member, and the lock member. The restricting member is introduced as an intermediate component that separates the direct connection between connector and heater, allowing the locking function to be distributed across multiple elements rather than concentrated on the heater alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The restricting member acts as an intermediary between the connector and the heater. When external force is applied to the connector, the lock member engages with the restricting member to absorb and distribute the force, preventing it from being transmitted directly to the heater. This mediator structure protects the heater while maintaining connector position stability.
2Strength
If the connector is allowed to move freely, then the heater is protected from external force, but the contact state between heater and connector cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism incorporates dynamic elements that allow controlled movement. The lock member can engage and disengage from the restricting member, enabling the system to transition between locked and unlocked states. This dynamic capability allows the connector to maintain stable contact during normal operation while permitting controlled adjustment or removal when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positional parameters of the connector through the locking mechanism. When locked, the connector maintains a fixed position relative to the heater for stable electrical contact. The restricting member provides defined positional parameters that guide the connector into proper alignment, ensuring reliable contact while protecting the heater.
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 ensures reliable contact between the heater and connector, preventing damage to the heater by distributing external forces away from the heater assembly, maintaining the contact state and enhancing the apparatus's durability.
Implementation Method 1
a heater in contact with the inner surface of the film... The heater has a substrate that is shaped like a flat plate and on which a heat generating resistor pattern is formed
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing apparatus will be described for fixing a toner image on a recording medium. The apparatus includes a heater that is in contact with an inner surface of a film, a restricting member that restricts movement of the film in a longitudinal direction of the film, a connector that is connected electrically to the heater for supplying electric power to the heater, and a lock member that maintains a position of the restricting member and a position of the connector relative to each other.