Fixing Apparatus Pressure Roller Folded Sheet Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing apparatuses experience uneven gloss due to pressure reduction at the end portions of the pressure roller, leading to inadequate suppression of water vapor and pinching issues with the sliding contact sheet.
Innovation Solution
A fixing apparatus with a sliding contact sheet and pressure roller configuration where the folded portion of the sliding contact sheet is shaped to match the positive crown shape of the pressure roller, ensuring uniform pressure distribution and preventing pressure reduction at the end portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a positive crown shaped pressure roller is used, then pressure distribution is improved at the central portion, but pressure reduction occurs at the end portions causing uneven gloss
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding contact sheet is designed with different structural characteristics at different locations: the end portions have a folded structure that projects toward the pressure roller to increase pressure, while the central portion maintains normal contact. This local differentiation compensates for the pressure roller's inherent pressure distribution characteristics and achieves uniform pressure across the entire width.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding contact sheet introduces asymmetric structural features (folded portions at end portions) to counterbalance the asymmetric pressure distribution created by the positive crown shaped pressure roller. This asymmetric compensation ensures uniform pressure distribution across the fixing width.
2Stress or pressure
If the distance between the sliding contact sheet and pressure roller is reduced, then pressure uniformity is improved, but the leading edge of the sliding contact sheet may be pinched between the fixing belt and pressure roller
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding contact sheet features localized folded portions only at the end portions that contact the pressure roller, while the central portion and leading edge maintain their original structure. This localized structural modification achieves pressure uniformity without compromising the leading edge's ability to avoid pinching.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding contact sheet is functionally segmented into different regions: the end portions with folded structures for pressure uniformity, and the leading edge/central portion with standard structure for reliable operation. This segmentation allows each region to perform its specific function without interference.
3Ease of operation
If the sliding contact sheet covers the pressure pad completely, then slidability is improved, but pressure reduction occurs at the end portions due to the positive crown shape
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding contact sheet maintains its sliding function through complete coverage of the pressure pad, while simultaneously introducing localized folded portions at the end portions. These folded portions specifically address the pressure reduction issue at the ends without compromising the overall sliding contact between the sheet and pressure belt.
Data Source
AI summary
With a fixing apparatus, a shape of a folded portion on the side of a pressure roller of a sliding contact sheet is folded along a shape of the pressure roller, thereby uniformizing a longitudinal pressure distribution and preventing an uneven-gloss image due to pressure reduction.