Fixing Device Rotatable Member Asymmetric Drive Nipping Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fixing devices for image forming apparatuses face challenges in maintaining consistent image fixing on a recording medium due to differences in the distance from the rotatable member to the fixing member at its two ends, which affects the peak pressure and thus the fixing quality.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device configuration that includes a fixing member, a rotatable member pressed against the fixing member, a rotating component to drive the rotatable member, and an urging component, such as a spring or cam member, to adjust the position of the rotatable member and maintain consistent nipping loads at both ends.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the rotatable member is driven by inputting a driving force to a position apart from the axis of the rotatable member, then the rotatable member can be rotated, but the distance from the rotatable member to the fixing member becomes different between the two ends, which influences the fixing quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different urging forces to different ends of the rotatable member. The urging component is configured to apply a first urging force to a first end and a second urging force to a second end, allowing each end to have customized local characteristics that compensate for the asymmetric driving configuration, thereby maintaining consistent fixing quality across the entire width of the recording medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters (urging forces) applied to different ends of the rotatable member. By adjusting the magnitude and direction of the urging forces on each end independently, the system compensates for the distance variations caused by the offset driving position, ensuring that the pressing forces at both ends remain within optimal ranges for consistent image fixing.
2Device complexity
If the distance from the rotatable member to the fixing member is different between the two ends, then the driving mechanism can be simplified, but the peak pressure at the exit becomes inconsistent, affecting the fixing of the image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by applying differentiated urging forces to different ends of the rotatable member. This allows the system to maintain simple overall structure while achieving local pressure optimization at each end, ensuring consistent peak pressures despite the inherent distance differences caused by the simplified asymmetric driving mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The urging component provides preliminary counteracting forces to compensate for the pressure inconsistencies that would otherwise result from the asymmetric driving configuration. By pre-applying these corrective urging forces, the system prevents peak pressure variations before they affect the fixing quality, maintaining consistent pressing forces across the entire width of the recording medium.
3Device complexity
If no urging component is provided, then the device structure is simpler, but the influence of distance differences on the fixing process increases, reducing fixing quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing targeted urging forces at specific locations (ends of the rotatable member) rather than uniform urging throughout. This localized approach effectively addresses the distance differences at critical points while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple, thereby maintaining high fixing quality without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The urging component enables the rotatable member to self-adjust and maintain optimal pressing forces during operation. By providing the necessary urging forces, the component allows the system to automatically compensate for distance variations, ensuring reliable fixing quality without requiring complex external control mechanisms or continuous manual adjustment.
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 reduces the influence of distance differences on the fixing process, ensuring consistent peak pressures and improved image fixing quality across the recording medium.
Implementation Method 1
an urging component configured to urge at least one end of the rotatable member in such a manner as to move the one end in an approaching direction or a retracting direction relative to the fixing member
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a fixing member to be used in fixing an image on a recording medium; a rotatable member pressed against the fixing member while being allowed to rotate, the rotatable member cooperating with the fixing member in such a manner as to form a pressurization part where the recording medium is to be pressurized; a rotating component configured to rotate the rotatable member by inputting a driving force to a position apart from an axis of the rotatable member; and an urging component configured to urge at least one end of the rotatable member in such a manner as to move the one end in an approaching direction or a retracting direction relative to the fixing member.