Fixing Device Supporting Member With Varying Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fixing device structures, which include a heat roller and a thermistor for temperature detection, face issues as the fixer frame can bow due to thermal expansion, causing an undesirable change in the gap between the thermistor and the heat roller, affecting temperature detection accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a temperature detector member and a supporting member, comprising parts of varying rigidity, is designed to maintain a consistent gap between the thermistor and the heat roller even when the fixer frame deforms, using a thermistor plate with specific arrangements of supporting, first, and second parts, and attaching parts to absorb deformation and maintain positional stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the supporting member is made with constant breadth throughout its length, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the supporting member bows when the fixer frame deforms, causing the gap between the thermistor and heat roller to change
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting member employs varying breadth along its length, with the first portion having a first breadth and the second portion having a second breadth that is greater than the first breadth. This local variation in dimensions provides different rigidity characteristics to different sections, allowing the supporting member to resist deformation while maintaining ease of manufacture through a simple elongated plate structure.
2Device complexity
If the supporting member is made with uniform rigidity, then the structure is simple, but it cannot absorb deformation of the fixer frame, causing thermistor position to shift
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting member is designed with local quality variation where the first portion has lower rigidity (smaller breadth) and the second portion has higher rigidity (greater breadth). This allows the first portion to absorb deformation from fixer frame thermal expansion while the second portion maintains the thermistor's positional stability, ensuring reliable temperature detection without complex structures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the fixer frame is allowed to deform due to thermal expansion, then the frame can accommodate thermal effects, but the supporting member bows and the thermistor gap changes
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting member's varying breadth design allows the first portion (with smaller breadth) to flex and absorb the bowing deformation caused by fixer frame thermal expansion, while the second portion (with greater breadth) maintains sufficient rigidity to keep the thermistor positioned correctly relative to the heat roller, preserving measurement precision despite thermal adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting member is segmented into two distinct portions along the axial direction: a first portion with smaller breadth for flexibility and a second portion with greater breadth for rigidity. This segmentation allows different sections to perform different functions - one absorbing deformation and the other maintaining positional accuracy for temperature detection.
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 effectively restricts excessive bowing of the supporting member and maintains a consistent gap between the thermistor and the heat roller, ensuring accurate temperature detection and thermal fixing processes.
Implementation Method 1
the fixer frame is bowed into an arch by, for example, an effect of thermal expansion
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device, including a heat roller, a temperature detector member to detect temperature of the heat roller, a supporting member to support the temperature detector member, and a fixer frame to support the heat roller and the supporting member, is provided. The supporting member includes a supporting part to support the temperature detector member, a first part, a second part which is less rigid than the first part, and an attaching part to be attached to an attachable surface of the fixer frame. The attaching part is arranged on one end of the supporting member along the axial direction. The supporting part is arranged in an intermediate position along the axial direction in the supporting member. The first part and the second part are arranged in positions between the attaching part and the supporting part along the axial direction in the supporting member.