Fuser Belt Driven Ring Groove Prevention via Asymmetric Axis Offset
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fuser devices with endless belts and driven rings, rotational speed differences can lead to friction-induced grooves on the driven rings, causing damage to both the fuser belt and the driven rings.
Innovation Solution
The fuser device design includes a belt supporting part with an arc-shaped contact face centered on a first central axis and a ring supporting part with an arc-shaped contact face centered on a second central axis, where the first central axis is shifted from the second central axis, preventing continuous contact at the same radial position and reducing the formation of grooves on the driven rings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If driven rings contact with the width-direction ends of the fuser belt to regulate displacement, then the fuser belt position is controlled, but rotational speed differences cause grooves to form on the driven rings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetric offset between the first central axis (of the belt supporting part) and the second central axis ( of the ring supporting part). This asymmetric configuration causes the contact point between the fuser belt and driven ring to shift radially during rotation, preventing continuous contact at the same radial position and thereby avoiding groove formation while maintaining position control
2Reliability
If driven rings rotate following the fuser belt, then the fuser belt is supported, but friction from rotational speed differences damages both the fuser belt and driven rings
Solution Approach 1:
The offset between the first central axis and second central axis creates asymmetric contact dynamics. As the fuser belt and driven ring rotate at different speeds, the contact point migrates radially rather than remaining fixed, which distributes frictional wear across different areas and prevents concentrated damage to both components
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 prevents groove formation on the driven rings, thereby minimizing damage to both the fuser belt and the driven rings, ensuring prolonged device functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a belt supporting part (31) that has a contact face (31a) shaped in an arc centering on a first central axis (A) and contacts with an inner circumferential face of the fuser belt (11) on the contact face (31a)
Implementation Method 2
a ring supporting part (33) that has a contact face (33a) shaped in an arc centering on a second central axis (B) and contacts with an inner circumferential face of the driven ring (4) on the contact face (33a)
Data Source
AI summary
A fuser device for fusing a developer image on a medium by applying heat includes an endless fuser belt, a belt supporting part that has a contact face shaped in an arc centering on a first central axis and contacts with the inner circumferential face of the fuser belt on the contact face, a driven ring that is disposed on at least one side of the fuser belt in the width direction of the fuser belt, and a ring supporting part that has a contact face shaped in an arc centering on a second central axis and contacts with an inner circumferential face of the driven ring on the contact face, wherein the first central axis is shifted from the second central axis.