Fixing Roller Wear Reduction via Sliding Separation Claws
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices for toner images on paper suffer from limited prevention of local wear on the fixing roller, leading to reduced durability and precision issues due to constant contact of separation claws at the same position.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a slide mechanism that allows the holder supporting multiple separation claws to move along the longitudinal direction of the fixing roller, varying the contact position and reducing wear by sliding the claws, thereby improving durability and precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separation claws are alternated to contact the fixing roller, then local wear is reduced to some extent, but each separation claw still contacts the same position repeatedly, limiting the prevention effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the holder movable along the longitudinal direction of the fixing roller through a slide mechanism. This allows the separation claws to dynamically change their contact position on the fixing roller, transforming the static contact scenario into a dynamic one where the contact point varies, thereby preventing localized wear while maintaining operational precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements another dimension principle by introducing longitudinal movement of the holder along the fixing roller's length. Instead of only alternating between a fixed set of separation claw positions, the system adds a longitudinal dimension to the contact variation, allowing separation claws to access different positions along the roller's length and effectively distribute wear across a larger area.
2Ease of operation
If each separation claw is separately operated to contact/separate from the fixing roller, then individual control is achieved, but precision of contact position cannot be improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the merging principle by combining multiple separation claws onto a single movable holder. This allows the holder to be precisely positioned along the fixing roller's longitudinal direction, ensuring that all separation claws maintain accurate contact positions simultaneously. The unified holder structure enables precise control of contact positions while still allowing individual separation claws to function independently.
3Device complexity
If separation claws remain stationary relative to the fixing roller, then simple structure is maintained, but local wear occurs reducing durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by introducing a slide mechanism that enables the holder to move longitudinally along the fixing roller. This relatively simple dynamic structure allows the separation claws to access different positions on the fixing roller, distributing wear across multiple locations and significantly improving roller durability without requiring complex mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fixing device 23 according to the present invention includes: a fixing roller 25 for fixing a toner image onto a sheet of paper; a plurality of separation claws 40 in contact with the fixing roller 25 to separate the sheet of paper, onto which the toner image is fixed, from the fixing roller 25; a holder 28 for supporting the plurality of separation claws 40; and a slide mechanism 30 for sliding the holder 28 along a longitudinal direction of the fixing roller 25.