Fixing Rotator Support Cover for Fine Particle Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses discharge fine particles, including ultrafine particles, due to the volatilization and aggregation of lubricant components from the fixing device, which is environmentally undesirable and needs to be reduced.
Innovation Solution
A cover is introduced to cover the opening of the rotator support, preventing the discharge of fine particles generated from the lubricant inside the fixing device loop to the outside, thereby reducing the emission of fine particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a lubricant is applied to the inner circumferential surface of the rotator to reduce sliding friction, then the rotator can rotate smoothly, but fine particles are generated from the volatilization and aggregation of lubricant components, causing environmental pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent captures the harmful fine particles generated from lubricant volatilization and redirects them through the opening in the rotator support back into the heating device loop, where they are reused rather than discharged into the environment. This converts the harmful emission into a beneficial recycling process.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening in the rotator support acts as an intermediary structure that captures fine particles at their source and channels them back into the system. This intermediary mechanism prevents direct discharge to the environment while maintaining the润滑 function.
2Device complexity
If the rotator support is designed with an opening to allow internal space communication, then structural simplicity is maintained, but fine particles are discharged to the outside environment
Solution Approach 1:
The opening that would normally be a source of pollution is transformed into a particle recirculation channel. Instead of blocking the opening with a complex seal, the patent uses the opening itself to redirect particles back into the system, maintaining structural simplicity while eliminating pollution.
3Reliability
If the heater continuously heats the rotator to maintain fixing temperature, then image fixing function is ensured, but lubricant volatilization increases generating more fine particles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recovers the fine particles that would otherwise be lost through the rotator support opening by redirecting them back into the heating device loop. This recovery process allows continuous operation at required temperatures while minimizing net particle discharge to the environment.
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 implementation of the cover effectively minimizes the release of fine particles, addressing environmental concerns and improving the operational efficiency of the fixing device.
Implementation Method 1
The heater heats the rotator
Implementation Method 2
The lubricant is applied to an inner circumferential surface of the rotator
Data Source
AI summary
A heating device includes a rotator, a heater, lubricant applied to the rotator, a rotator support, and a cover. The rotator has an internal space inside a loop of the rotator. The heater heats the rotator. The lubricant is applied to an inner circumferential surface of the rotator. The rotator support supports an end of the rotator in a longitudinal direction of the rotator and has an opening communicating with the internal space of the rotator and penetrating through the rotator support to extend in the longitudinal direction. The cover covers the opening of the rotator support.