Fixing Device Support Plate Distortion Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixing devices in electrophotographic image forming apparatuses face issues with distortion and unusual sounds due to misalignment and improper positioning of components, leading to reduced clearance between bearings and bushes, which affects the fixation process and overall performance.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a distortion prevention part on the support plate, positioned within specific areas to prevent distortion when the positioning pin is inserted, ensuring proper alignment and maintaining the clearance between the bearing and bush, thereby preventing inclination and unusual sounds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the positioning pin is inserted into the positioning hole without a distortion prevention part, then the support plate can be easily assembled, but distortion occurs around the insertion hole causing misalignment and unusual sounds
Solution Approach 1:
A distortion prevention part is provided at a specific location on the support plate (within the first area defined by specific geometric relationships to the insertion hole and positioning pin) to prevent distortion only where needed during positioning, without adding complexity to the entire structure. This localized approach maintains alignment accuracy while minimizing structural complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If the support plate is rigidly fixed to prevent any distortion, then alignment precision is improved, but the bearing clearance decreases and causes unusual sounds
Solution Approach 1:
The distortion prevention part is strategically positioned within a specific area on the support plate that is determined by geometric relationships to the insertion hole and positioning pin. This localized reinforcement prevents distortion at the insertion hole while maintaining appropriate clearance elsewhere, thus achieving positioning precision without causing unusual sounds from excessive rigidity.
3Ease of operation
If the bearing clearance is increased to prevent unusual sounds, then smooth operation is improved, but the positioning accuracy and alignment deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The distortion prevention part provides localized structural support at the insertion hole area, ensuring high positioning accuracy where the positioning pin interfaces with the support plate. Meanwhile, the bearing clearance is maintained at appropriate levels in other areas to ensure smooth operation, achieving both positioning accuracy and smooth operation through differentiated design.
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a pair of bushes, a pair of bearing members, a support plate, and a fixing frame. The pair of bushes are attached to both end parts of a rotation shaft of a heating rotating member. The pair of bearing members supports the bushes in a rotatable manner. The support plate has insertion hole into which the bearing member is inserted so that the bearing member is fastened, and a positioning pin. The fixing frame has a positioning hole into which the positioning pin is inserted. The support plate is provided with a distortion prevention part for preventing occurrence of distortion around the insertion hole when the positioning pin is inserted into the positioning hole. At least a part of the distortion prevention part is positioned within a first area.