Fixing Belt Flange Structure to Prevent Heater Misalignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices in image forming apparatuses face issues with flange deformation due to thermal stress and pressure, leading to misalignment of the heater, which affects heat transfer and can cause fixing failures and damage to the fixing belt.
Innovation Solution
The fixing device incorporates a flange design with a widened portion supported by a heater holder, featuring projections that prevent inward deformation and facilitate easy assembly, ensuring proper alignment and stability of the heater and fixing belt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional flange design is used to support the fixing belt, then the structure is simple, but the flange deforms due to thermal stress and pressure causing heater misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The flange is divided into a first flange and a second flange that are separate components. The first flange supports one end of the fixing belt while the second flange supports the other end. This segmentation allows each flange to be independently designed and positioned, preventing deformation-induced misalignment of the heater while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Area of stationary object
If the flange is positioned close to the heater for compact design, then the device size is reduced, but the flange deforms more easily under thermal stress
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second flanges are strategically positioned at specific locations away from the heater to provide localized support for the fixing belt ends. This local quality approach ensures that the flanges are positioned to minimize thermal stress exposure while maintaining compact overall device dimensions. The flanges are placed where they can effectively support the belt without being subjected to excessive thermal stress that would cause deformation.
3Manufacturing precision
If the flange is made rigid to prevent deformation, then alignment stability is improved, but assembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device employs a assembly structure where the first and second flanges can be independently positioned and adjusted during assembly. This dynamic approach allows the flanges to be installed in their correct positions to prevent deformation, while still permitting easy assembly through independent positioning rather than requiring precise pre-alignment of a single rigid component.
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 maintains the heater's alignment, enhances heat transfer efficiency, prevents flange deformation, and stabilizes belt travel, thereby reducing the risk of fixing failures and belt damage.
Implementation Method 1
a heater (22) that heats the fixing belt (20)
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a belt, an opposed rotator, a heater, a holder, and a support. The opposed rotator contacts an outer circumferential surface of the belt to form a nip. The heater heats the belt. The holder holds the heater and extends in a longitudinal direction. The support supports an end of the belt in the longitudinal direction and has a widened portion. The holder widens the widened portion of the support.