Heater Nip Pad Positioning for Image Forming Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fixing devices in image forming apparatuses face challenges with the deformation and wear of the heater and heater holder due to increased frictional forces from reduced device size and higher driving speeds, leading to inefficient heat transfer and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a positioning configuration with multiple pad positioning portions on the heater and holder, including a third positioning portion closer to the center, helps stabilize the heater and holder, preventing bending and ensuring accurate positioning, thereby enhancing heat transfer and reducing wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the device size is reduced and driving speed is increased, then productivity is improved, but frictional forces increase causing deformation and wear of the heater and holder
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning function is segmented into multiple independent positioning portions (first, second, and third positioning portions) distributed at different locations on the heater and holder. This segmentation allows each portion to independently counteract frictional forces at different positions, preventing overall deformation while maintaining high driving speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The third positioning portion is strategically located closer to the center of the heater in the longitudinal direction, creating a non-uniform positioning distribution. This local quality enhancement at the center provides additional support where frictional forces are most intense, preventing bending at critical locations while allowing high-speed operation.
2Reliability
If multiple positioning portions are added to prevent deformation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple positioning portions are integrated into the existing heater and holder structures rather than being separate components. The first, second, and third positioning portions are formed as part of the heater and holder assembly, merging the positioning function with the structural components to minimize additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning portions utilize the existing structural features of the heater and holder to provide positioning functionality. The holder positioning portion on the stay and the pad positioning portions on the heater and holder work together to self-position the components without requiring external positioning mechanisms.
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 deformation and wear of the heater and holder, ensuring consistent heat transfer and extending their lifespan, while maintaining precise positioning for efficient image forming processes.
Implementation Method 1
a heater (22) that generates heat
Implementation Method 2
a nip formation pad (41) that contacts the pressure roller (21) via the fixing belt (20) to form a fixing nip N between the fixing belt (20) and the pressure roller (21)
Data Source
AI summary
A heating device includes a belt, an opposed rotator, a heater, a nip formation pad inside the belt, a holder holding the nip formation pad, a stay supporting the holder. The nip formation pad or the holder includes pad positioning portions and a holder positioning portion. The pad positioning portions includes a first and second pad positioning portions at both ends of the nip formation pad or the holder with respect to a center of the heater, and a third pad positioning portion near the center. The holder positioning portion is nearer to the center than the first or the second pad positioning portion.