Fuser Sliding Sheet Dimple Zones for Lubricant Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fusers face challenges in reducing sliding resistance and managing lubricant distribution between the sliding sheet and the endless belt, leading to issues with foreign matter accumulation and lubricant distribution during the toner image fusion process.
Innovation Solution
The fuser incorporates a sliding member with a surface featuring a combination of first and second dimples, where the first dimples are designed to release lubricant easily and foreign matter, while the second dimples have a higher lubricant-holding capability, optimizing the distribution and retention of lubricant within specific zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a sliding sheet is used between the endless belt and pressure member, then sliding resistance is reduced, but foreign matter accumulates and lubricant distribution becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding sheet surface is divided into two distinct zones with different dimple characteristics: a first zone with dimples designed for foreign matter discharge and a second zone with dimples designed for lubricant retention. This local differentiation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally, resolving the contradiction between reducing sliding resistance and preventing foreign matter accumulation.
2Quantity of substance
If dimples are added to the sliding sheet surface, then lubricant distribution is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding sheet surface is segmented into functionally distinct zones with different dimple configurations. The first zone contains dimples optimized for foreign matter discharge, while the second zone contains dimples optimized for lubricant retention. This segmentation allows complex functionality to be achieved through organized simplicity, with each zone having a specific, optimized structure.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the sliding sheet contacts the endless belt throughout, then continuous lubrication is maintained, but lubricant is wasted in non-nip portions
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding sheet implements local quality differentiation by creating a second zone with lubricant-retaining dimples in the non-nip portion. This allows the sheet to maintain continuous contact with the endless belt for continuous lubrication, while the specialized dimples in the second zone prevent lubricant waste by retaining it where not immediately needed, allowing it to be gradually utilized as the belt rotates through the nip portion.
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 reduces foreign matter accumulation in the first dimples and enhances lubricant retention in the second dimples, improving the fuser's performance by maintaining smooth operation and preventing lubricant shortages.
Implementation Method 1
The surface of the sliding sheet has a plurality of dimples for reducing sliding resistance occurring between the surface of the sliding sheet and the endless belt during rotation of the endless belt
Data Source
AI summary
A fuser includes a rotatable member, a belt, a pressure member, and a sliding member. The pressure member sandwiches the belt together with the rotatable member to form a nip portion. The sliding member is sandwiched between an inner peripheral surface of the belt and the pressure member. The sliding member includes a front surface, which faces the inner peripheral surface of the belt. The front surface includes a plurality of first dimples and a plurality of second dimples. The first dimples are arranged in a first zone, which corresponds to the nip portion. The second dimples are arranged in a second zone, which corresponds to a portion of the sliding member outside the nip portion. Each of the first dimples is of a shape that can release lubricant more easily than each of the second dimples.