Fixing Belt Protruding Guide for Buckling Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fixing devices in image forming apparatuses face challenges in preventing deformation and displacement of the fixing belt due to inadequate support, leading to inefficiencies in toner image fixation and sheet handling.
Innovation Solution
The proposed fixing device incorporates a protruding portion and guide portion on the fixing belt, which extends from the guide portion toward the opposite end, providing additional support and preventing deformation by filling gaps between the belt supports and the support frame, thus enhancing the belt's stability and reducing the likelihood of buckling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the fixing belt is supported by belt supports, then the belt is held in position, but the belt may deform or buckle between support points
Solution Approach 1:
The belt support structure is segmented into multiple discrete support points (first belt support, second belt support, and protruding portion) distributed along the circumferential direction. This segmentation provides localized support at critical positions without requiring continuous support, preventing buckling while maintaining belt flexibility and rotational movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The protruding portion extends in the axial direction (perpendicular to the circumferential direction) from the guide portion, creating support in a third dimension. This axial protrusion fills gaps between the belt supports and support frame, providing additional support points that prevent belt deformation without interfering with the belt's circumferential rotation.
2Area of stationary object
If the belt support structure is simplified, then the device complexity is reduced, but the belt support area is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The guide portion serves multiple functions: it guides the belt in the circumferential direction, provides structural support through its protruding portion, and positions the belt relative to the support frame. This multi-functionality increases the effective support area without adding separate dedicated support components, thereby avoiding increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The protruding portion integrates the guiding function and support function into a single structural element. By merging these functions, the design achieves comprehensive belt support with minimal components, preventing deformation while maintaining simplicity and avoiding the need for additional separate support structures.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the guide portion extends further in the axial direction, then the belt is better supported, but the risk of buckling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protruding portion is positioned at a specific location on the inner side of the belt member where support is most needed, rather than uniformly extending along the entire axial direction. This localized support provides stability at critical points while avoiding excessive axial extension that could cause buckling, achieving optimal balance between support and stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes an endless belt member that rotates, and includes a first end on one side in an axial direction and a second end on the other side in the axial direction; a belt support that comes into contact with part of an inner circumferential surface of the belt member to support an inner side of the belt member; a guide portion disposed on the inner side of the belt member at at least one of the first and second ends of the belt member to guide the belt member moving in a circumferential direction; and a protruding portion disposed at a position in the circumferential direction of the belt member different from a position in the circumferential direction at which the belt support is disposed, the protruding portion protruding from the guide portion toward the other one of the first and second ends of the belt member.