Roller Support Mechanism for Fixing Device Abrasion Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roller support mechanisms in image forming apparatuses, such as those in fixing devices, face challenges in effectively supporting rotary shafts while maintaining stability and preventing abrasion and foreign matter accumulation, which can affect image quality and device performance.
Innovation Solution
A roller support mechanism comprising a support frame, a cover member, a bearing member, and an urging member, where the bearing member is made of resin and supports the rotary shaft rotatably, and the urging member keeps it away from the bottom of the support groove, ensuring stability and preventing abrasion by allowing movement and reducing contact with corner sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the rotary shaft is directly supported in a fixed position, then the structure is simple, but the bearing and shaft experience high contact stress and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing member is designed to be movable along the rotary shaft within the support groove, transforming the fixed support structure into a dynamic one. This allows the bearing to self-adjust its position and distribute contact stress, reducing wear and improving durability while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is divided into distinct functional components: the support groove providing the pathway, the bearing member providing rotational support, and the urging member providing positioning force. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, improving overall reliability
2Volume of moving object
If the bearing is positioned close to the corner sections of the support groove, then the structure is compact, but abrasion powder and foreign matter accumulate affecting image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing member is designed to move dynamically within the support groove rather than being fixed, allowing it to maintain optimal positioning away from corner sections where abrasion powder accumulates. This dynamic positioning prevents foreign matter accumulation while keeping the overall structure compact
Solution Approach 2:
The urging member acts as an intermediary that applies force to keep the bearing member positioned away from the bottom of the support groove and away from corner sections. This intermediary force prevents direct contact between the bearing and areas where abrasion powder accumulates, protecting image quality
3Weight of moving object
If the bearing member is made of resin material, then weight is reduced and manufacturing is easier, but load-bearing capacity may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing member is made of resin material that can be engineered to provide adequate load-bearing capacity while maintaining lightweight properties. The resin can be formulated with enhanced mechanical properties or reinforced to achieve the necessary strength-to-weight ratio for supporting the rotary shaft
Solution Approach 2:
The load-bearing capacity of the resin bearing member is optimized by adjusting parameters such as material composition, density, and structural geometry. These parameter changes allow the resin material to provide sufficient strength while maintaining the weight and manufacturing advantages of polymer materials
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 provides stable support for rotary shafts, reduces abrasion, and maintains image quality by preventing abrasion powder from entering the bearing groove, thus enhancing the operational reliability of the fixing device.
Implementation Method 1
The urging member urges the bearing member in a direction away from the bottom of the support groove
Implementation Method 2
The bearing member is made of resin and has a bearing groove that rotatably supports the rotary shaft
Data Source
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AI summary
A roller support mechanism (80) supports a rotary shaft (72) of a second roller (71) disposed in parallel with a first roller (16B). The roller support mechanism (80) includes a support frame (81), a cover member (82), a bearing member (83), and an urging member (84). The support frame (81) is made of sheet metal and has a support groove (85) extending in a direction away from the first roller (16B) and receiving the rotary shaft (72). The cover member (82) is made of sheet metal and is attached to the support groove (85) to cover a pair of side edge sections (85B) facing each other across the support groove (85). The bearing member (83) is made of resin and has a bearing groove (83A) that rotatably supports the rotary shaft (72). The bearing member (83) is disposed in the support groove (83A), with the cover member (82) interposed therebetween, so as to be movable in a direction toward/away from a bottom (85A) of the support groove (85). The urging member (84) urges the bearing member (83) in a direction away from the bottom (85A) of the support groove (85).