Fixing Belt End Deformation Restraint for Stress Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixing devices with end deformation restraint members suffer from end portion deformation and fatigue breakdown due to stress concentration and notch-related issues, leading to belt breakage during rotation.
Innovation Solution
The use of end deformation restraint members with continuous insertion parts and a curvature radius of at least 2 mm, which prevent stress concentration and ensure smooth sliding of the fixing belt, along with a gap between the pressing member and the belt to avoid interference and deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional end deformation restraint members with notched insertion parts are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but stress concentration occurs at the notch portions causing fatigue breakdown and belt breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion part is designed with a curved surface having a specific radius of curvature instead of a notched shape. This curvature eliminates stress concentration points while maintaining the restraint function, preventing fatigue breakdown of the fixing belt during repeated rotation operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The design changes the geometric parameters of the insertion part by specifying a minimum radius of curvature (R ≥ 1 mm, preferably R ≥ 2 mm). This parameter modification transforms the sharp notched geometry into a smooth curved surface, fundamentally changing the stress distribution characteristics and eliminating fatigue initiation sites.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the pressing member contacts the fixing belt directly, then the fixing pressure is applied effectively, but interference and deformation occur at the belt end portions causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The end deformation restraint member acts as an intermediary component between the pressing member and the fixing belt. It receives the pressing force and redistributes it along the belt surface, preventing direct concentrated contact that would cause end portion deformation and instability.
Solution Approach 2:
The restraint member pre-positioned at the belt ends provides preliminary support before the pressing member applies force. This preliminary action prevents the belt ends from deforming under pressure, ensuring stable operation throughout the fixing process.
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 design significantly increases the fatigue resistance of the fixing belt, preventing breakage even after passing 200,000 papers, compared to conventional designs which break at 62,000 papers, by ensuring smooth sliding and reducing stress concentration.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible fixing belt which is an approximately cylindrical belt and is heated by the heating unit
Implementation Method 2
The pair of end deformation restraint members restrain the deformation of belt end portions by holding both end portions of the fixing belt, which slides on outer peripheral surfaces of the insertion parts
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a fixing device including a pair of end deformation restraint members. A restraint body 35 of the end deformation restraint member has an insertion part 38 which is inserted into both end portions of a fixing belt, and restrains deformation of belt end portions by holding both end portions of the fixing belt, which slides on an outer peripheral surface of the insertion part 38, from inside in the insertion part 38. The insertion part 38 is continued in a belt rotation direction with no gap.