Fixing Device Glossiness Inspection for Reflector Assembly Errors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inspecting components like thin and highly smooth reflectors in fixing devices is costly due to the need for dedicated processing or expensive inspection devices, which increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a composite member having a first and second member with a glossiness difference, allowing identification based on glossiness measurement to determine the desired fixing configuration, enabling low-cost inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dedicated processing or expensive inspection devices are used to inspect thin and highly smooth reflecting members, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a simple, low-cost inspection device that can be easily manufactured and disposed of, replacing the need for expensive, complex inspection equipment. The inspection device includes a simple light source and sensor arrangement that does not require sophisticated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical inspection systems with an optical inspection method using light reflection principles. Instead of using sophisticated mechanical measurement devices, the system uses the interaction of light with the reflecting member's surface to detect its presence and orientation.
2Manufacturing precision
If dedicated processing is performed on thin and highly smooth reflecting members, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs inspection of the reflecting member immediately after assembly in the fixing device, before the device is put into production use. This preliminary inspection catches any assembly errors early, preventing defective products from being manufactured and reducing waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection system uses the reflecting member's own optical properties (its high reflectivity and smooth surface) to perform self-inspection. The light source and sensor are arranged so that the reflecting member's characteristics are directly utilized for detection, eliminating the need for separate, complex processing steps.
3Measurement precision
If complex inspection methods are used to identify component configuration, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical detection methods to rapidly identify the configuration of components within the fixing device. By measuring light reflection patterns, the system can determine component positions and orientations almost instantaneously, replacing what would otherwise require time-consuming manual or mechanical inspection procedures.
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
Enables low-cost inspection of components like thin and highly smooth reflectors, preventing assembly errors and reducing costs associated with dedicated inspection devices.
Implementation Method 1
a heating source that is disposed inside an inner circumferential surface of the fixing rotator to heat the fixing rotator
Implementation Method 2
The reflecting member reflects radiant heat radiated from the heating element on the reflecting surface
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a fixing rotator to fix an unfixed image on a recording medium, a pressure member disposed opposite the fixing rotator to press an outer circumferential surface of the fixing rotator; a heating source disposed inside an inner circumferential surface of the fixing rotator to heat the fixing rotator, and a composite member disposed inside the inner circumferential surface. The composite member includes a first member, a second member attached to the first member, and an inspection region for measurement of glossiness. The first member and the second member have a difference in glossiness. The inspection region allows identification of which one of the first member and the second member is present on a surface of the inspection region based on the glossiness of the inspection region, and determination of that the fixing device has a desired fixing configuration based on a result of the identification.