Fixing Device Nip Pressure Stability via Movable Sliding Sheet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing belt-type fixing devices in image forming apparatuses face challenges in maintaining consistent pressure and stability due to manufacturing deviations and repeated switching between nip states, leading to fluctuations in nip pressure distribution.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a rotator, a belt, and a sliding sheet with a hook engaging portion and connecting tabs, forming a nip with the belt support, which includes springs to urge the nip forming members against the holder, stabilizing the positions of the nips and reducing pressure fluctuations by preventing deformation and manufacturing deviations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a belt support and sliding sheet are used to form a nip with the rotator, then the fixing device can operate, but manufacturing deviations cause unstable nip positions and pressure fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable sliding sheet that can dynamically adjust its position within the holder. The sliding sheet includes a hook engaging portion that can move along the holder, allowing the system to adapt to manufacturing deviations and maintain stable nip positions through dynamic compensation rather than relying solely on precise static manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the positional parameter of the sliding sheet within the holder to compensate for manufacturing deviations. By allowing the sliding sheet to shift its position, the system can maintain consistent nip pressure and position despite variations in manufacturing tolerances of the holder and belt support.
2Reliability
If the sliding sheet is fixed in the holder, then assembly is simple, but repeated switching between nip states causes pressure distribution fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding sheet is designed to be movable rather than fixed, enabling it to dynamically adjust during operation. This dynamic capability allows the sliding sheet to compensate for pressure distribution fluctuations that occur during repeated switching between nip states, while the hook engaging portion provides a simple mechanical connection that maintains assembly simplicity.
3Reliability
If the belt support and sliding sheet have rigid connections, then structural stability is achieved, but manufacturing deviations lead to pressure fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid fixed connections with a movable connection system using the hook engaging portion. This allows the sliding sheet to move relative to the holder, providing flexibility to absorb manufacturing deviations while maintaining structural stability through the hook engagement mechanism.
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 ensures stable nip positions and consistent pressure distribution, even with manufacturing deviations, by using springs to maintain contact between the nip forming members and the holder, thus enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the fixing device.
Implementation Method 1
The sliding sheet is configured to be pinched at the nip between an inner peripheral surface of the belt and the belt support
Implementation Method 2
The sliding sheet is configured to be pinched at the nip between an inner peripheral surface of the belt and the belt support
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a rotator having a rotation axis, a belt, a belt support surrounded by the belt, and a sliding sheet configured to be pinched at the nip between an inner peripheral surface of the belt and the belt support. The belt support is configured to form a nip with the rotator. One of the belt support and the sliding sheet includes a hook engaging portion. The hook engaging portion includes an aperture. The other of the belt support and the sliding sheet includes a hook engaged to the aperture.