Fixing Device Connector Positioning via Segmented Engaging Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixing devices with planar plate heaters suffer from insufficient positioning of connectors relative to the substrate, leading to displacement in the longitudinal direction, which affects the stability and performance of the device.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device is designed with a substrate, an endless belt, a heating pattern, and a connector system that includes an electrode connected to a terminal and an engaging member, where the connector and engaging member are mounted orthogonally to the substrate's longitudinal direction to restrict movement, ensuring precise alignment and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If only the connector engaging portion is engaged with the substrate in the longitudinal direction, then the structure is simple, but the positioning precision is insufficient leading to connector displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device is divided into two separate engaging components: a connector engaging portion that engages with the substrate, and a separate engaging member that is mounted to the connector. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific positioning function independently, with the connector engaging portion providing primary positioning and the engaging member providing additional constraint to prevent displacement in the longitudinal direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging member acts as an intermediary component between the connector and the substrate. It is mounted to the connector from the other side of the substrate and engages with the substrate to restrict movement, thereby mediating the connection and enhancing positioning precision without directly integrating into the substrate structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If the connector is mounted from one side only, then the mounting process is simple, but the connector cannot be securely restricted from movement in the longitudinal direction
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting function is segmented into two parts: the connector engaging portion mounted from one side that provides initial connection, and the engaging member mounted from the other side that provides additional constraint. This segmentation maintains relative manufacturing simplicity while achieving reliable movement restriction through the combined action of both components.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of attempting to restrict movement in the longitudinal direction from a single side (one-dimensional approach), the solution uses two engaging components positioned on opposite sides of the substrate (two-dimensional approach). The engaging member mounted from the other side adds a new dimension to the mounting strategy, creating a more reliable constraint system.
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
The solution effectively prevents displacement of the connector relative to the substrate in the longitudinal direction, maintaining positional accuracy and enhancing the device's operational stability during thermal expansion, thereby ensuring reliable connection between electrodes and terminals.
Implementation Method 1
a heating pattern including a heating resistor provided on the substrate
Implementation Method 2
maintaining positional accuracy and enhancing the device's operational stability during thermal expansion
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes: a substrate; an endless belt rotatable around the substrate; a heating pattern including a heating resistor provided on the substrate; a terminal electrically continuous to the heating pattern and provided at an end portion of the substrate in a longitudinal direction of the substrate; a connector including an electrode connected to the terminal, the connector being mounted to the end portion of the substrate from one side of the substrate in a widthwise direction of the substrate and engaged with the substrate in the longitudinal direction to restrict movement of the connector with respect to the longitudinal direction; and an engaging member mounted to the connector from the other side of the substrate in the widthwise direction and engaged with the substrate in the longitudinal direction to restrict movement of the engaging member with respect to the longitudinal direction.