Fixing Device Belt Surface Restoration via Dynamic Pressing Load
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices fail to effectively manage the surface state of the heating belt after a fixing operation, leading to damage and reduced lifespan, as they do not adequately adjust the pressing load of the restorer based on the surface state changes between before and after the operation.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a changer that adjusts the pressing load of the restorer in accordance with the difference in the surface state of the belt between before and after the fixing operation, using a controller to determine the appropriate pressing force based on factors such as the basis weight of the recording medium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the pressing load of the restorer is increased to restore the belt surface, then the surface restoration effect is improved, but the damage to the belt surface and belt lifespan increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing load of the restorer is made dynamically adjustable based on the detected surface state of the belt. The controller varies the pressing load according to the difference between the surface state before fixing operation and after fixing operation, allowing optimal restoration without excessive damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing load parameter is changed based on detected surface state conditions. The system detects gloss or surface state and adjusts the pressing load parameter accordingly, using multiple pressing load levels to match different surface restoration needs.
2Reliability
If the pressing load of the restorer is decreased to reduce belt damage, then the belt lifespan is extended, but the surface restoration effect deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing load is dynamically adjusted based on real-time detection of belt surface state. Rather than using a fixed low pressing load, the system increases the pressing load only when and where surface restoration is actually needed, as determined by surface state detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing load is varied locally based on the specific surface state conditions detected at different positions and times. The restorer applies different pressing loads to different areas or timing conditions, matching the actual restoration needs rather than applying uniform pressure.
3Device complexity
If a fixed pressing load is used for the restorer, then the device structure is simplified, but the surface state management becomes inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates surface state detection (gloss detection or surface state detection) that provides feedback to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to automatically adjust the pressing load of the restorer, creating a closed-loop control system that manages surface state effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects surface state changes and self-adjusts the pressing load without requiring manual intervention. The controller monitors the belt surface condition and autonomously varies the pressing load to maintain optimal surface state.
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 solution reduces damage to the belt surface while extending the belt's lifespan by dynamically adjusting the pressing force of the refresh roller according to the surface state changes, ensuring improved image quality and extended belt life.
Implementation Method 1
a restorer that is pressed against a surface of the belt after the image is fixed to restore the surface of the belt to a state before a fixing operation
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes an endless belt, a fixing member that presses the belt against a recording medium holding an unfixed image to fix the unfixed image onto the recording medium, a restorer that is pressed against a surface of the belt after the image is fixed to restore the surface of the belt to a state before a fixing operation, and a changer that changes a pressing load of the restorer in accordance with a difference in a state of the surface of the belt between before the fixing operation and after the fixing operation.