Fixing Device Shear Force Control for Toner Stain Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices in image forming apparatuses face challenges in effectively removing toner stains from rollers during the printing process, leading to offset images and increased maintenance requirements due to insufficient shear forces and cleaning sequences.
Innovation Solution
A novel fixing device incorporating a drive roller and a driven roller with a braking force applicator generates a shear force range of 15N to 25N between the rollers, allowing the recording medium to remove toner stains during the normal printing process, thereby minimizing offset images and maintenance time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fixing devices are used without a braking force applicator, then the device complexity is reduced, but the toner stains cannot be effectively removed from rollers leading to offset images
Solution Approach 1:
The recording medium itself serves as the cleaning tool by generating shear force against the rollers during normal passage, eliminating the need for separate cleaning mechanisms while effectively removing toner stains
Solution Approach 2:
The braking force applicator dynamically adjusts the shear force parameter between rollers to optimize toner stain removal effectiveness while preventing recording medium damage such as wrinkles
2Reliability
If the shear force between rollers is increased to remove toner stains, then the toner stain removal effectiveness is improved, but the recording medium may develop wrinkles
Solution Approach 1:
The braking force applicator continuously monitors and adjusts the shear force applied to the rollers, providing feedback control to maintain shear force within the optimal range that removes toner stains without causing recording medium wrinkles
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically controls the shear force parameter between 15N and 25N, adjusting it based on operating conditions to achieve effective cleaning while preventing damage to the recording medium
3Productivity
If a braking force applicator is added to generate shear force, then the productivity is improved by reducing maintenance time, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the recording medium passage itself to perform the cleaning function through controlled shear force, converting a maintenance operation into a self-executing process during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The braking force applicator enables the fixing device to simultaneously perform both image fixing and roller cleaning functions, making the cleaning process integrated into the normal printing operation rather than a separate maintenance task
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
The solution ensures reliable removal of toner stains from rollers, reducing offset images and maintenance needs, while maintaining stable torque and preventing wrinkles in the recording medium.
Implementation Method 1
The braking force applicator applies a braking force to the driven roller to generate a shear force between the drive roller and the driven roller
Implementation Method 2
a fixing device applies heat and pressure to the recording medium carrying the toner image to fix the toner image onto the recording medium
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a drive roller, a driven roller driven to rotate by the drive roller, and a braking force applicator. The driven roller presses against the drive roller to form an area of contact between the drive roller and the driven roller, through which a recording medium bearing a toner image passes. The braking force applicator applies a braking force to the driven roller to generate a shear force between the drive roller and the driven roller. The shear force acting between the drive roller and the driven roller when the drive roller and the driven roller rotate is in a range of from 15N to 25N.