Interwoven Slide Member for Fixing Device Lubricant Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices in image forming apparatuses face issues with lubricant leakage and reduced durability due to sliding friction and uneven lubricant distribution, leading to increased torque and potential damage to components.
Innovation Solution
A novel fixing device incorporating a slide member with interwoven first strands parallel to the sliding direction and second strands perpendicular to it, applied with lubricant, to enhance mechanical strength, prevent lubricant leakage, and maintain smooth sliding of the fixing rotator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a slide member is applied with lubricant to enable smooth sliding of the fixing rotator, then sliding friction is reduced and operation is smoother, but lubricant leakage occurs and durability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The slide member is segmented into multiple strands (first strands parallel to sliding direction, second strands perpendicular to sliding direction) that are interwoven. This segmentation allows the lubricant to be distributed and retained within the strand structure, preventing leakage while maintaining sliding smoothness.
Solution Approach 2:
The slide member uses a composite structure combining first strands and second strands in an interwoven configuration. This composite material approach creates a three-dimensional network that holds lubricant effectively, solving both the lubricant retention and sliding smoothness requirements.
2Force
If lubricant is applied to the slide member, then sliding friction is reduced, but lubricant distribution becomes uneven and leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interwoven strand structure creates local regions within the slide member that can hold and distribute lubricant uniformly. The three-dimensional network of interlaced strands provides multiple local reservoirs and distribution paths, ensuring even lubricant distribution throughout the material.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure of interwoven first and second strands creates a controlled matrix for lubricant distribution. This composite material design ensures uniform lubricant distribution by providing a consistent three-dimensional network throughout the slide member.
3Ease of manufacture
If a conventional slide member structure is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but torque increases and component damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The slide member is divided into multiple discrete strands that are interwoven. This segmentation increases the surface area and improves lubricant distribution, thereby reducing friction and the resulting torque on components, while still using basic strand materials that are easy to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite interwoven strand structure reduces torque by improving lubricant retention and distribution, which decreases friction. The structure combines simple strand elements into a more effective composite material that reduces mechanical stress on 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
The solution effectively reduces friction, prevents lubricant leakage, and enhances the durability of the fixing device, ensuring stable operation and extended lifespan by maintaining lubricant distribution and reducing torque and component damage.
Implementation Method 1
The slide member is applied with lubricant to slide the fixing rotator in a sliding direction
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a fixing rotator to fix an image on a recording medium, a pressure rotator to press against an outer circumferential surface of the fixing rotator, a nip formation pad disposed inside the fixing rotator and opposite the pressure rotator to form an area of contact between the fixing rotator and the pressure rotator, and a slide member disposed between the fixing rotator and the nip formation pad and applied with lubricant to slide the fixing rotator in a sliding direction. The slide member includes first strands disposed parallel to the sliding direction and second strands disposed perpendicular to the sliding direction and interwoven with the first strands. The first strands are woven over the second strands longer than the second strands woven over the first strands.