Fixing Unit Pressure and Temperature Cycling for Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices in image forming devices suffer from durability issues, particularly in the fixing process where the components wear out quickly, leading to reduced performance and reliability.
Innovation Solution
The fixing device incorporates a cylindrical member with a heater and a roller, equipped with a pressing mechanism that adjusts pressure and temperature control, using a thermo-sensitive element to maintain optimal conditions and prevent excessive wear, thereby enhancing durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the fixing device operates continuously with high pressure and temperature, then image fixing quality is improved, but component wear increases and durability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing mechanism is configured to change pressure dynamically between a first pressure (higher) and a second pressure (lower). The heater is configured to change temperature between a first temperature (higher) and a second temperature (lower). This dynamic adjustment allows the system to alternate between high-stress operating conditions and low-stress recovery conditions, reducing cumulative wear while maintaining fixing quality during active operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing mechanism and heater operate in periodic cycles, switching between high pressure/temperature states and low pressure/temperature states. This periodic action allows components to experience stress only when necessary for image fixing, followed by recovery periods that reduce wear accumulation and extend component life.
2Manufacturing precision
If pressure is increased to improve fixing quality, then image fixation is enhanced, but component wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing mechanism dynamically adjusts pressure between a first pressure level (for quality fixing) and a second pressure level (lower, for wear reduction). This allows the system to apply high pressure only when image fixing is required, rather than maintaining constant high pressure that would accelerate wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter over time, alternating between higher and lower pressure states. This parameter variation allows optimization of fixing quality during high-pressure phases while minimizing wear during low-pressure phases.
3Productivity
If temperature is increased to improve fixing performance, then toner fixation is enhanced, but energy consumption increases and component stress increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heater operates periodically, switching between a first temperature (higher, for fixing performance) and a second temperature (lower, for energy savings). This periodic temperature adjustment ensures high temperature is applied only when image fixing is in progress, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining fixing quality during active operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature parameter is varied over time between higher and lower levels. This allows the system to achieve optimal fixing performance when needed while minimizing energy consumption during low-temperature phases.
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 improves the durability and longevity of the fixing device by ensuring consistent temperature control and pressure adjustment, reducing wear and tear on components, thus maintaining efficient image fixing operations.
Implementation Method 1
The heater has a heating region. The heating region is configured to radiate heat when a current is supplied thereto
Implementation Method 2
The sensor is in contact with the heater. The sensor is configured to detect a temperature of the heater
Implementation Method 3
The pressing mechanism is configured to change a pressure between the cylindrical member and the roller
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a fixing device includes a cylindrical member, a heater, a holder, a sensor, a roller, and a pressing mechanism. The pressing mechanism is configured to change a pressure between the cylindrical member and the roller.