Fixing Device Protective Member Prevents Belt Sinking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fixing device for recording sheets lacks support for the middle portion of the endless belt, causing it to sink downward and potentially contact the heater, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a protective member between the middle portion of the endless belt and the heater, which is fastened to a load receiving member, ensuring the middle portion is supported and preventing contact with the heater while allowing radiant heat to pass through.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If only the edge portions of the endless belt are supported by side guides, then the structure remains simple, but the middle portion of the belt sinks downward and contacts the heater
Solution Approach 1:
A protective member is introduced as an intermediary component between the endless belt and the heater. This protective member supports the middle portion of the belt, preventing it from sinking downward and contacting the heater, while allowing radiant heat to pass through to maintain heating functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The support function is segmented into two parts: side guides support the edge portions of the belt, and the protective member supports the middle portion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively without interfering with the other.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the protective member is placed between the middle portion of the endless belt and the heater, then heat transfer efficiency is maintained, but the risk of belt contact with heater increases without additional support
Solution Approach 1:
The protective member is designed with localized properties: it is positioned only where needed (between the middle portion of the belt and the heater) and has specific characteristics (allows radiant heat to pass through) that address the local requirement of maintaining heat transfer while preventing belt contact.
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 maintains the integrity of the endless belt by preventing it from sinking and ensures effective heat transfer for fixing images onto recording sheets, reducing the risk of damage and enhancing operational stability.
Implementation Method 1
The reflecting member reflects radiant heat emitted by the heater toward an inner circumferential surface of the endless belt
Implementation Method 2
The protective member may be disposed between the middle portion of the endless belt and the heater and on a side opposite to the nip member with respect to the heater, and may be configured to allow light to pass therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes an endless belt, a nip member, a heater, a reflecting member, a load receiving member, and a protective member. The endless belt has end portions in the first direction and a middle portion defined between the end portions. The nip member is configured to contact an inner circumferential surface of the endless belt. The heater is disposed inside the endless belt. The reflecting member is entirely disposed on a nip-member side with respect to the heater and is configured to reflect radiant heat emitted from the heater toward the inner circumferential surface. The protective member is disposed between the middle portion of the endless belt and the heater and on a side opposite to the nip member with respect to the heater, and is configured to allow light to pass therethrough. The protective member is fastened to the load receiving member.