Fixing Device Facing Member Tension to Prevent Thermal Deformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fixing devices face issues with deformation of facing members towards the transport path due to heating, leading to potential interference with the recording medium and image defects during the image forming process.

Innovation Solution

A fixing device is designed with a non-contact heating unit, a facing member that moves with respect to the recording medium, and tension units that tension the facing member along the transport path to prevent deformation, ensuring stable positioning and preventing interference with the recording medium.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a facing member is disposed along the transport path at a position facing the non-contact heating unit, then the facing member can be heated together with the recording medium, but the facing member deforms in a direction approaching the transport path due to heating

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating temperatureVSAvoidfacing member deformation

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by tensioning the facing member along the transport path before heating occurs. The tension unit pre-applies force to the facing member in the direction of the transport path, creating a preparatory state that resists subsequent thermal deformation when the facing member is exposed to heat from the non-contact heating unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary anti-action by applying a counteracting force through the tension unit that opposes the expected thermal expansion and deformation of the facing member. By tensioning the facing member along the transport path before heating, the system creates a counterbalancing force that prevents the facing member from deforming toward the transport path during the heating process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Shape

If the facing member is restrained in a direction along the transport path, then deformation towards the transport path is prevented, but the facing member cannot move with respect to the recording medium

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefacing member stabilityVSAvoidfacing member movement capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by separating the constraints on the facing member into two independent directions: along the transport path and perpendicular to it. The tension unit provides constraint only in the transport path direction, while allowing free movement in the direction perpendicular to the transport path, enabling the facing member to move with respect to the recording medium while maintaining stability against thermal deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by applying different degrees of freedom to the facing member in different spatial directions. The facing member is constrained locally in the transport path direction through tensioning, while maintaining mobility in the perpendicular direction, allowing it to adapt to the recording medium while preventing harmful deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Shape

If tension units are added to tension the facing member along the transport path, then facing member deformation is prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefacing member posture stabilityVSAvoidfixing device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing complex mechanical constraint systems with a simpler tension-based system. Instead of using rigid fixtures or multiple constraint mechanisms to prevent facing member deformation, the invention uses tension units that apply a simple tensile force along the transport path, achieving the same stabilizing effect with fewer and simpler components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical 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 deformation of facing members, maintaining the posture of the recording medium and reducing image defects by tensioning the facing members in the direction of the transport path, thus ensuring consistent and high-quality image formation.

Implementation Method 1

a non-contact heating unit configured to heat a recording medium being transported on a transport path in a non-contact manner

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiation heating: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 2

a tension unit configured to tension a facing member in a direction along the transport path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTension force: Tension

Data Source

PatentUS11740575B2Fixing device and image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2023.08.29 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

A fixing device includes: a non-contact heating unit configured to heat a recording medium being transported on a transport path in a non-contact manner; a facing member that is disposed along the transport path at a position facing the non-contact heating unit and that is configured to move with respect to the recording medium; and a tension unit configured to tension a facing member in a direction along the transport path.