Lenticular Lens Fixing Device with Grooved Pressing Roller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses using electrophotography face issues with abnormal electric discharge and uneven image formation due to jagged lens sheets, leading to potential toner image degradation and increased power consumption, while forming lenticular lenses on recording media with existing methods results in bulky equipment and requires separate developing vessels for transparent toner.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a pressing member and a resin layer forming portion that creates a lenticular lens structure on a light-transmissive recording medium by applying a transparent resin layer using a hot melt inkjet system, forming grooves on the pressing member to transfer the resin layer and fix the toner image without degrading image quality, and includes a controller for regulating the resin layer thickness and temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a jagged lenticular lens sheet is used, then lens structure is formed, but abnormal electric discharge and stripe-like unevenness occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the surface configuration parameter from jagged to smooth curved surface, and forms the lens structure through thermal deformation of thermoplastic resin layer during fixing process, eliminating abnormal electric discharge while maintaining lenticular function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-forms a thermoplastic resin layer on the recording medium before the fixing process, which then undergoes thermal deformation when pressed against the pressing member with grooves, creating the lenticular lens structure in advance rather than using pre-made jagged sheets
2Shape
If a separate lens forming process with high-temperature pressing is used, then lenticular image is formed, but toner image may be disordered and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lens forming process with the toner fixing process into a single step, where the thermoplastic resin layer is thermally deformed to form lenticular lenses while the toner image is simultaneously fixed, eliminating the need for separate high-temperature pressing that could disorder the toner image
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls the temperature and pressure parameters during the fixing process to achieve both toner fixation and resin layer deformation simultaneously, maintaining toner image integrity while forming the lenticular structure
3Shape
If conventional lens forming apparatus is used, then lenticular lenses are formed, but equipment becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lens forming function with the existing fixing apparatus, using the fixing member with grooves to simultaneously perform toner fixing and lenticular lens formation, eliminating the need for separate lens forming equipment and reducing overall apparatus volume
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing member is designed with grooves that serve dual purposes: pressing the recording medium for toner fixation and simultaneously deforming the thermoplastic resin layer to form lenticular lenses, making the apparatus multi-functional and space-saving
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 enables the formation of high-quality lenticular lenses on recording media without degrading toner images, reduces equipment bulk, and conserves power by using a space-saving design that integrates nozzle ejection technology, ensuring uniform lenticular image formation and preventing jaggedness.
Implementation Method 1
a resin layer forming portion (e.g., an ejection nozzle) disposed in close proximity to the pressing member for forming a transparent resin layer by ejecting and applying a light-transmissive resin material on the surface of the pressing member
Implementation Method 2
a fixing member for fusing an unfixed toner image on the recording medium and fixing the unfixed toner image onto the recording medium
Implementation Method 3
pressing the recording medium on one side of which an unfixed toner image is formed at the fixing nip portion between the fixing member and the pressing member
Data Source
AI summary
In an image forming apparatus for forming a lenticular lens structure when using a light-transmissive recording medium, including: photoreceptor drums; chargers; an exposure unit; developing devices; an intermediate transfer belt unit; and a fixing unit, further includes a resin layer forming device for forming a transparent resin layer on a pressing roller and a controller, and a multiple number of grooves are formed in parallel to each other on the surface of the pressing roller so as to create a lenticular lens structure on the pressing member and, the recording medium is pressed between the fixing roller and the pressing roller so as to form a lenticular lens structure on one surface of the recording medium while an unfixed toner image is fixed to the other surface of the recording medium.