Fixing Device Low Friction Sheet Stress Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fixing device for image forming apparatuses experiences instability and damage to the low friction sheet due to concentrated stress, leading to wrinkles and reduced effectiveness in reducing sliding friction between the fixing belt and pressure pad, which affects the long-term stability and quality of the fixed image.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a pressing member that includes an elastic first pressing part and a rigid second pressing part, where the low friction sheet is sandwiched between their faces, distributing the pulling force evenly across the upstream end, preventing intense stress and wrinkles, and ensuring the sheet remains stable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the low friction sheet is fixed using locking parts and locking holes with predetermined gaps, then the sheet can be secured to the pressing member, but intense stress concentrates at the locking parts causing damage and wrinkles
Solution Approach 1:
A buffer member is introduced as an intermediary component between the locking parts and the low friction sheet. This buffer member absorbs and distributes the stress that would otherwise concentrate at the locking parts, preventing damage and wrinkles to the low friction sheet while maintaining its secured position
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer member is positioned in advance between the locking parts and the low friction sheet to provide cushioning protection. This preemptive measure ensures that when stress is applied during operation, it is already distributed through the buffer member, preventing intensity concentration that would cause damage
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the low friction sheet is pressed against the fixing belt to reduce sliding friction, then friction is reduced, but the sheet becomes susceptible to damage from concentrated stress
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer member serves as a protective intermediary that allows the low friction sheet to maintain its pressing function against the fixing belt while simultaneously protecting it from stress concentration that would compromise its long-term stability
Solution Approach 2:
By positioning the buffer member in advance, the system prepares protective cushioning that enables the low friction sheet to withstand the pressing operation without suffering stress-related damage, ensuring both friction reduction and long-term reliability
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 configuration prevents damage to the low friction sheet, maintains its effectiveness in reducing friction, and ensures long-term stability, thereby improving the quality and consistency of the fixed image.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic pressing part 41 is made of an elastic material
Implementation Method 2
a low friction sheet 44... reducing the sliding friction between the pressure belt 32 and the pressing member 40
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device for fixing an unfixed image on a recording sheet passing through a fixing nip formed by pressing a pressing member against an inside surface of a pressure belt via a low friction sheet, so that an outside surface of the pressure belt presses against a fixing member, wherein the pressing member includes a first pressing part having an elastic front face, and (ii) a second pressing part whose front face presses against a rear face of the first pressing part, the low friction sheet extends from a portion thereof pressed by the front face against the pressure belt, to an upstream end thereof, along a lateral side of the first pressing part, the upstream end being upstream from the other end with respect to a rotation direction of the pressure belt and sandwiched between the rear face and the front face by pressure.