Fixing Belt Segmentation for Stress Reduction in Image Formers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The belt-type fixing devices in image forming apparatuses suffer from stress concentration and abrasion at the ends of the fixing belt due to deformation and friction, leading to premature damage and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a protrusion on the rear half of the fixing nip to apply maximum pressure to the printing medium when the toner is sufficiently melted, and a baffle to ensure proper separation of the printing medium from the fixing belt, along with a friction reducing plate and a ceramic heater to enhance heat distribution and reduce friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a belt-type fixing device uses a heating member and pressing member to fix toner images, then image fixation quality is improved, but stress concentration and abrasion at the ends of the fixing belt occur due to deformation and friction
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing belt is segmented into different functional zones: a first fixing belt for initial toner fixation and a second fixing belt for final image finishing. This segmentation allows each belt to be optimized for its specific function, with the second belt specifically designed to reduce stress concentration and abrasion at its ends, thereby improving durability while maintaining fixation quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The second fixing belt incorporates local quality improvements by specifically addressing the end regions that suffer from stress concentration and abrasion. The belt design includes features such as reinforced end structures or modified surface properties at the critical end zones, while maintaining the necessary heat transfer properties in the contact regions, thus improving reliability without compromising fixation quality.
2Productivity
If the fixing belt rotates at high speed to increase productivity, then output efficiency is improved, but stress concentration and friction-induced abrasion worsen
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the fixing function into two separate belts rotating in sequence, the system can maintain high productivity while reducing the rotational speed requirements for each individual belt. The first belt handles the primary fixation task, and the second belt performs the finishing function, allowing both to operate at optimized speeds that reduce stress and friction, thereby extending belt lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters by introducing a two-belt system where each belt can rotate at different optimized speeds. The second fixing belt is specifically designed to rotate at a speed that minimizes stress concentration and friction-induced abrasion while still achieving the required productivity, thus improving reliability without sacrificing output efficiency.
3Manufacturing precision
If pressure is applied uniformly across the fixing nip, then toner fixation is improved, but stress concentration at the belt ends increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure application is segmented between two different fixing belts. The first fixing belt applies pressure for initial toner fixation, while the second fixing belt applies pressure for final image finishing. This segmentation allows the second belt to use optimized pressure distribution that reduces stress concentration at its ends while maintaining uniform fixation quality across the image area.
Solution Approach 2:
The second fixing belt implements local quality in pressure distribution by reducing pressure at the end regions where stress concentration occurs, while maintaining adequate pressure in the central contact zones for proper toner fixation. This localized pressure optimization improves belt durability without compromising overall fixation uniformity.
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 configuration improves the gloss and gloss uniformity of the output image by ensuring proper toner fixation and reducing stress on the fixing belt, thereby extending its lifespan and enhancing image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a heating member made of a belt... heat radiating from the heating member
Implementation Method 2
a friction reducing plate... to reduce friction
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device comprising a fixing belt, a rotating member to be in engagement with an outer circumferential surface of the fixing belt, to form a fixing nip between the fixing belt and the rotating member, and sliding members on both ends of the fixing belt.