Fixing Device Holding Member Groove Geometry for Heater Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices with film heating systems face challenges in the precise handling and alignment of key parts like the heater and fixing film, which can lead to variations in assembly quality, especially when assembled manually.
Innovation Solution
The proposed fixing device incorporates a holding member with specific groove configurations and tapered portions to facilitate the precise attachment of the heating member, enabling easier and more stable assembly using an automatic production apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual assembly is used to attach the heater to the pressing member, then assembly flexibility is maintained, but assembly precision and consistency deteriorate due to human error and variability
Solution Approach 1:
The groove is pre-formed with specific dimensional constraints and tapered portions that guide the heater into the correct position before final attachment. This preliminary structural preparation enables automatic assembly machines to accurately position the heater without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered portions and groove geometry are designed to automatically guide and position the heater during assembly. The heater itself serves to define the positioning through its interaction with the groove features, eliminating the need for separate positioning mechanisms or manual alignment operations.
2Reliability
If strict handling and alignment procedures are implemented for key parts, then part quality and reliability improve, but assembly complexity and handling difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The groove is divided into distinct functional sections: a first groove portion for initial heater engagement, a tapered portion for guided positioning, and a second groove portion for final alignment. This segmentation allows each section to perform a specific function, simplifying the overall assembly process while ensuring reliable heater attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove structure acts as an intermediary element between the heater and the pressing member. It provides a controlled interface that automatically ensures proper alignment and positioning, eliminating the need for complex external alignment procedures or specialized handling tools.
3Manufacturing precision
If the groove width is uniform throughout, then manufacturing is simpler, but heater positioning precision and alignment deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The groove width is deliberately varied at different locations: the first groove portion has a narrower width for initial engagement, the tapered portion provides progressive widening for guided positioning, and the second groove portion provides a wider opening for final alignment. This local variation in geometry provides automatic positioning functionality while remaining manufacturable using standard machining processes.
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 allows for the consistent and high-quality assembly of key parts in the fixing device, reducing the risk of human error and ensuring improved performance and reliability of the image forming apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
fixes an unfixed toner image onto a recording material by thermo-melting
Implementation Method 2
an unfixed toner image is fixed onto the surface of the recording material with the pressing force of the fixing nip portion while being given heat via the fixing film
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device has a heating member for fixing a toner image and a holding member holding the heating member. The holding member includes a first groove portion on one end portion side of the holding member in a longitudinal direction of the holding member, the heating member being fitted into the first groove portion; a second groove portion closer to a central portion of the holding member in the longitudinal direction than the first groove portion, a width of the second groove portion being larger than that of the first groove portion in a widthwise direction of the holding member; a tapered portion that connects the first groove portion to the second groove portion; and a surface of an end portion of the first groove portion in the longitudinal direction that is perpendicular to a surface of an end portion of the first groove portion in the widthwise direction.