Fixing Unit Spring-Boss Mounting for Positional Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The fixing device in conventional image forming apparatuses can potentially move in the front-rear direction from its attached position, leading to instability and potential misalignment.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus incorporates a fixing device with bosses that are inserted into recessed portions of the main body casing and pressed by springs, ensuring the device remains securely attached by restricting movement in multiple directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the fixing device is made detachable from the main body casing, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential movement from the attached position
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device is separated into modular components (heating rotary body, pressure rotary body, and boss structures) that can be detached as a unit while maintaining positional stability through spring-pressed engagement features during attached operation
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is pre-configured to continuously press the boss of the fixing device toward the recessed portion before attachment, ensuring that upon attachment, the fixing device is immediately and securely held in the correct position, preventing any movement
2Reliability
If the fixing device is securely fixed to prevent movement, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional spring and recessed portion structures
Solution Approach 1:
The retention function is merged into the existing attachment structure by incorporating the boss of the fixing device and the recessed portion of the main body casing as integral parts of the attachment mechanism, eliminating the need for separate retention components
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-pressed boss structure serves multiple functions: it guides the fixing device during attachment, secures the fixing device in position, and maintains continuous contact to prevent movement, combining several functions into a single mechanism
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 prevents the fixing device from moving from its attached position, maintaining stability and alignment during operation.
Implementation Method 1
a spring configured to press, in a state where the fixing device is attached to the main body casing, the first boss inserted in the first recessed portion toward both the one side in the first direction and the one side in the second direction
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a main body casing, a fixing device, and a spring. The fixing device is attachable to the main body casing from one side toward an other side in a first direction. The main body casing includes a first recessed portion recessed toward one side in a second direction crossing the first direction. The fixing device includes a first boss extending in a third direction crossing the first direction and the second direction. The first boss is configured to be inserted in the first recessed portion in a state where the fixing device is attached to the main body casing. The spring is configured to press, in the state where the fixing device is attached to the main body casing, the first boss inserted in the first recessed portion toward the one side in the first direction and the one side in the second direction.