Fixing Device Slide Sheet Support Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fixing devices require multiple fastening members to secure the slide sheet, increasing the number of components and space needed for fixing, which is inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A fixing device with a support member featuring two support portions that securely fix the slide sheet between them, eliminating the need for additional fastening members and optimizing space usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple fastening members are used to fix the slide sheet, then the fixing reliability is improved, but the number of components and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the fixing function into the support member structure itself by providing engagement protrusions and engagement grooves that directly secure the slide sheet. This eliminates the need for separate fastening members while maintaining reliable fixing, thereby reducing component count while preserving fixing reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If multiple fastening members are used to fix the slide sheet, then the fixing reliability is improved, but the space for fixing increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing reliabilityVSAvoidspace for fixing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing structure is merged into the support member by integrating engagement protrusions and grooves directly into the support member body. This eliminates the need for additional fastening members and their associated mounting spaces, thereby reducing the overall space required for fixing while maintaining reliable slide sheet securing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If the slide sheet is fixed between two support portions, then the number of components is reduced, but the fixing strength must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of componentsVSAvoidfixing strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The support member is segmented into two distinct support portions with engagement protrusions and corresponding engagement grooves. This segmentation allows the slide sheet to be securely fixed between the portions through the interlocking engagement structures, maintaining fixing strength while eliminating the need for separate fastening members.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement protrusions and grooves are strategically positioned at specific locations on the support portions to concentrate the fixing force where needed. This local quality enhancement ensures that the fixing strength is maintained at critical points even though the overall component count is reduced.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11586134B2Fixing device provided with slide sheet fixed between support portions and image forming device including fixing device

Publication Date: 2023.02.21 SHARP KK

AI summary

A fixing device includes an endless fixing belt capable of rotational movement, a pressure roller that presses from the outside of the fixing belt, a nip forming member that is arranged on an inner circumference surface side of the fixing belt and forms a fixing nip region between the fixing belt and the pressure roller, a support member that supports the nip forming member from an opposite side to the fixing nip region, and a slide sheet provided between the fixing belt and the nip forming member. The support member includes two support portions. The slide sheet is fixed between the two support portions.