Fixing Device Vibration Suppression via Dynamic Load Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices in image forming systems face challenges in maintaining image quality due to vibrations caused by the contact between the heating and pressing members, and in achieving a fully fixed, high gloss toner image on various recording media.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a heating member and a pressing member that includes a concave portion for gripping the recording medium, a moving portion for relative movement between contact and separation positions, and a switching portion to adjust the load between the heating and pressing members based on the type of recording medium or user selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the heating member always contacts the pressing member with constant load, then the fixing process is simple and reliable, but vibrations occur that deteriorate image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the contact between heating member and pressing member variable rather than constant. The moving portion enables the heating member to dynamically adjust its position and contact state with the pressing member, transitioning between contact and separation based on the concave portion's position, thereby eliminating vibrations while maintaining fixing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through the cyclic movement of the heating member between contact and separation positions. As the pressing member rotates and the concave portion passes through different positions, the heating member periodically contacts and separates from the pressing member, creating a rhythmic pattern that prevents continuous vibration and maintains image quality
2Manufacturing precision
If the load between heating member and pressing member is increased, then the toner image fixation is more complete and gloss is improved, but vibrations and impact forces worsen image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the load to be dynamically adjusted rather than maintained at a constant high level. The moving portion allows the heating member to approach and contact the pressing member gradually, controlling the load increase and preventing sudden impact forces that would damage image quality while still achieving complete fixation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the heating member approach the pressing member in advance before full contact is made. The moving portion enables a gradual approach where the heating member prepares for contact, allowing the load to build up smoothly rather than abruptly, thereby preventing impact forces while ensuring complete toner fixation
3Manufacturing precision
If the heating member is separated from the pressing member when the concave portion passes, then vibrations are suppressed, but the contact time for heat transfer is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by creating a rhythmic pattern of contact and separation. The heating member periodically contacts the pressing member during specific phases of the concave portion's movement, providing sufficient heat transfer contact time during each contact phase while maintaining separation during other phases to suppress vibrations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining multiple contact opportunities within a single rotation cycle. The heating member contacts the pressing member at multiple points as the concave portion passes through different positions, ensuring continuous and sufficient heat transfer while allowing separation periods to prevent vibrations
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 effectively suppresses image quality deterioration due to vibrations and secures a fully fixed, high gloss toner image on various recording media by dynamically adjusting the load and heat application based on the specific requirements of the media and desired image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a heating member configured to heat a toner image on a front surface of a recording medium
Implementation Method 2
a pressing member configured to rotate and press the recording medium together with the heating member
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a heating member configured to heat a toner image on a front surface of a recording medium; a pressing member having an outer circumferential surface formed with a concave portion into which a gripping portion configured to grip a front end side of the recording medium enters, the pressing member being configured to rotate and press the recording medium together with the heating member; a moving portion configured to cause the heating member and the pressing member to relatively move between a position where the heating member comes into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the pressing member directly or via the recording medium and a position where the heating member moves away from the outer circumferential surface of the pressing member when the concave portion passes; and a switching portion configured to switch, between high and low, a load to be applied to a contact portion between the heating member and the outer circumferential surface of the pressing member in accordance with a type of the recording medium or a selection by a user.