Sliding Sheet Dimples for Fuser Lubricant Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fuser systems experience increased sliding resistance due to lubricant loss between the sliding sheet and the endless belt, as the straight portions of the sliding sheet allow lubricant to move off, reducing the retention of lubricant and increasing friction.
Innovation Solution
The sliding member features a surface with dimples arranged in a honeycomb lattice pattern, including hexagonal openings, which catch lubricant moving along ridges between dimples, ensuring sufficient lubricant retention and reducing friction by maintaining a contact surface area of 50% or less at the nip portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the sliding sheet has straight portions extending between dimple lines, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but lubricant moves off the sheet edges causing increased sliding resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating specific curved portions at the edges of the sliding sheet that follow the rotational path of the belt. These curved edges locally modify the sheet geometry to prevent lubricant overflow while maintaining straight portions in the center for simplicity. The curved portions are positioned specifically where lubricant would otherwise escape, providing localized lubricant retention without complicating the entire sheet structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If dimples are arranged in straight lines, then the pattern is simple to create, but lubricant is not effectively retained and friction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by arranging dimples along curved lines that follow the rotational trajectory of the belt rather than straight lines. This curved arrangement creates overlapping lubricant retention zones as the sheet rotates, effectively trapping lubricant between the dimples. The curvature matches the belt's rotational path, ensuring lubricant remains in the contact zone between the sliding sheet and belt surface.
3Strength
If the contact surface area is large, then the structural integrity is maintained, but lubricant is lost and sliding resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains structural integrity by keeping the central portion of the sliding sheet as a large, flat contact area while introducing curved portions only at the edges. This local modification approach preserves the overall structural strength and rigidity needed for the sliding sheet to function properly, while the curved edges specifically address lubricant retention without compromising the main body's integrity.
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
This configuration effectively reduces sliding resistance and improves lubricant retention, leading to a lower friction coefficient and increased durability of the sliding sheet, as demonstrated by experimental results showing reduced frictional resistance and torque increase rates.
Implementation Method 1
The dimples are designed to catch lubricant that moves along ridges between the dimples... maintaining a contact surface area of 50% or less at the nip portion... reducing friction by maintaining a contact surface area
Data Source
AI summary
A fuser may include a rotatable member, a belt, a pressure member, and a sliding member. The belt and rotatable member may form a nip portion. The sliding member may be sandwiched between an inner peripheral surface of the belt and the pressure member. The sliding member may include a front surface, which faces the inner peripheral surface of the belt. The front surface may include a plurality of dimples designed to catch lubricant that moves along ridges between the dimples.