Fixing Device Attachment Restrictor Prevents Shaft Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently attaching and rotating the supplemental member within the fixing device, leading to issues during the installation and assembly process, particularly due to unrestricted rotation which can result in part breakage and increased assembly costs.
Innovation Solution
The attachment includes a first hollow axial portion with a slit that receives a holding shaft and a supplemental member with a second hollow axial portion also receiving the shaft, where a restrictor limits rotation in both forward and backward directions, facilitating easier and safer installation by preventing forced insertion and potential part damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the supplemental member is allowed to rotate freely during assembly, then the assembly process becomes more flexible, but the risk of part breakage and assembly errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The restrictor applies a preliminary counteracting force against the rotation of the supplemental member during the assembly process. By providing resistance in advance before actual damage can occur, the restrictor prevents the supplemental member from rotating beyond safe limits, thereby eliminating the harmful effect of excessive rotation while maintaining assembly flexibility
2Reliability
If the restrictor is designed to restrict rotation in both forward and backward directions, then the protection against part breakage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The restrictor combines multiple protective functions into a single integrated structure. By merging the forward rotation restriction and backward rotation restriction capabilities into one component, the design achieves comprehensive protection against part breakage in both rotational directions without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The restrictor serves multiple functions simultaneously: it restricts forward rotation, restricts backward rotation, and prevents part breakage. This multi-functional design allows a single component to address multiple protection needs, reducing the overall complexity compared to using separate components for each function
3Manufacturing precision
If additional jigs are used to control rotation during assembly, then the precision of assembly is improved, but the assembly cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The restrictor enables the assembly system to control its own rotation without requiring external jigs or tools. The restrictor inherently provides the necessary constraints during assembly, allowing workers to perform assembly operations without additional equipment, thereby improving both precision and efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The restrictor acts as an intermediary element between the supplemental member and the assembly process. Instead of requiring complex external jigs to control rotation, the restrictor provides a simple intermediate structure that naturally guides and limits rotation, simplifying the assembly process while maintaining precision
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment is attached to a holding shaft and includes a first hollow axial portion including a first slit that receives the holding shaft. A supplemental member includes a second hollow axial portion including a second slit that receives the holding shaft. The supplemental member rotates in a forward direction and a backward direction. A restrictor restricts rotation of the supplemental member in the forward direction and the backward direction in a state in which the first slit and the second slit receive the holding shaft.