Fixing Device Nip Plate Deformation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixing devices face challenges in achieving dimensional accuracy and reducing errors in the protrusion amount of the central portion of the nip member, as it requires direct machining, leading to inaccuracies.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device comprising a metal plate with varying rigidity across its sections, where the central portion has higher rigidity than the end portions, allowing for deformation and adjustment of the protrusion amount through a stay and rotating body configuration, which reduces errors in the protrusion amount.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If direct machining is used to adjust the protrusion amount of the central portion of the nip member, then the protrusion amount can be adjusted, but dimensional accuracy is difficult to achieve and errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the metal plate from rigid to deformable by controlling its rigidity characteristics. The metal plate is designed with specific rigidity parameters that allow it to deform elastically under load, transforming the adjustment method from direct mechanical machining to controlled deformation through applied forces via the stay and rotating body configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the metal plate's protrusion amount can be changed by applying varying loads through the stay and rotating body. This allows the central portion to dynamically adjust its position and shape in response to applied forces, enabling precise control of the protrusion amount without traditional machining operations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the central portion of the nip member is made with high rigidity, then deformation control is improved, but adjustment flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The metal plate is designed with non-uniform rigidity distribution across different regions. The central portion has different rigidity characteristics compared to the end portions, allowing localized deformation control. This local quality differentiation enables the central portion to deform controllably under load while maintaining overall structural stability, resolving the contradiction between rigidity stability and adjustment flexibility.
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 errors in the protrusion amount and prevents wrinkling of sheets by allowing for precise adjustment and deformation of the nip plate, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of the fixing process.
Implementation Method 1
The stay and the main part of the metal plate may be configured to deform such that the main part provides a convex shape protruding toward the rotating body when the stay receives a load from the rotating body through the metal plate
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a metal plate, an endless belt, a rotating body, and a stay. The metal plate has a main part comprising a first end portion, a second end portion, and a center portion positioned therebetween and having rigidity higher than that of the first end portion and the second end portion. The endless belt has an inner peripheral surface configured to be in sliding contact with the metal plate. The main part is aligned with the rotating body in a direction from the metal plate to the rotating body. The stay is disposed opposite to the nip region with respect to the metal plate. The stay and the main part of the metal plate are deformable upon application of the load to the stay such that the main part provides a convex shape protruding toward the rotating body.