Segmented Pressure Pad for Envelope Fixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices for toner images on envelopes require lower pressing force per unit area to prevent creases, but current solutions do not adequately address this need, leading to suboptimal performance in crease prevention and image quality.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with an endless belt and a pressure pad that includes projecting portions to distribute pressure evenly, allowing for a reduced pressure mode specifically for envelopes, which prevents creases while maintaining sufficient heat transfer and image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the pressing force per unit area is reduced to prevent envelope creases, then envelope crease prevention is improved, but image fixation quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pad is divided into multiple projecting portions (first projecting portion, second projecting portion, and third projecting portion) that are spaced apart from each other in the feeding direction. This segmentation allows different regions of the pad to contact the endless belt at different locations, distributing the pressing force to prevent envelope creases while maintaining sufficient heat transfer for image fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pad has different structural characteristics at different locations: the base portion and multiple projecting portions with varying heights and positions. This local quality variation allows the pad to apply pressure selectively at multiple points along the feeding direction, preventing creases without compromising the overall heat transfer efficiency for image fixation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the pressing force per unit area is reduced to prevent envelope creases, then envelope crease prevention is improved, but the heat transfer efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pad is segmented into multiple projecting portions that contact the endless belt at different locations. This segmentation allows the pressing force to be distributed across multiple contact points, preventing envelope creases while maintaining sufficient cumulative heat transfer area for effective image fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pad structure extends in multiple dimensions with projecting portions at different positions along the feeding direction. This multi-dimensional arrangement allows pressure distribution across a longer contact zone, preventing creases while maintaining adequate heat transfer through the cumulative effect of multiple contact points.
3Device complexity
If a conventional pad structure is used, then the structure is simple, but envelope crease prevention is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The pad is segmented into a base portion and multiple projecting portions (first, second, and third projecting portions) positioned at different locations. This segmentation increases the pad's structural complexity but enables effective envelope crease prevention by distributing pressure at multiple points along the feeding direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The pad structure is designed to dynamically adapt to the envelope being processed, with the multiple projecting portions making contact with the endless belt at different locations. This dynamic pressure distribution allows the pad to prevent creases effectively while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that can be manufactured practically.
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 prevents envelope creases and ensures proper image fixation by adjusting pressure distribution, enhancing the performance of fixing devices in handling envelopes without compromising image quality.
Implementation Method 1
an endless belt for heating a toner image, formed on the envelope, in a nip portion
Implementation Method 2
a pad for pressing the endless belt at an inner surface toward the driving rotatable member
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device for an envelope includes an endless belt, a driving rotatable member, and a pad that includes a base portion, a first projecting portion projecting from the base portion toward the driving rotatable member at an upstream end in a feeding direction of the envelope, a second projecting portion projecting from the base portion toward the driving rotatable member at a downstream end in the feeding direction of the envelope, and a recess portion, provided between the first projecting portion and the second projecting portion in the feeding direction of the envelope. When a fixing process is performed on the envelope, an inner surface of the endless belt is in contact with both of the first projecting portion and the second projecting portion, and is spaced from the recess portion.