Air Flow Generator in Developer Storage for Toner Scattering Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In imaging systems, particularly those with toner moving mechanisms, there is a challenge in preventing air pressure buildup and toner scattering, which affects the efficiency and quality of the printing process.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an air flow generator with a specific design, including a bar-shaped structure and paddles, creates an air circulation path to manage air flow and prevent toner scattering by maintaining a controlled air curtain between the developer carrier, image carrier, and storage container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a flow passage forming member is used to prevent air pressure buildup, then air pressure control is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the air flow control function from a complex flow passage forming member and implements it through a simple air flow generator with a rotor and air flow generation blades. This separates the air pressure control function from the toner transport function, allowing each component to be optimized independently while reducing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The air flow generator acts as an intermediary device that introduces controlled air flow between the developer carrier and image carrier. This mediator prevents direct contact between toner and external environment while maintaining air pressure balance, eliminating the need for complex sealed flow passages.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If air flow is increased to prevent toner scattering, then toner containment is improved, but air pressure buildup increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air flow generator creates dynamic air flow patterns through rotating blades that generate both axial and radial flow components. This dynamic flow system continuously adjusts air movement to maintain toner containment while preventing pressure buildup through controlled circulation paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by using a rotor-driven air flow generation system that creates controlled air circulation. The air flow generator uses rotational motion to generate aerodynamic forces that move air and toner particles in controlled paths, preventing scattering without requiring high pressure.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the developing device body is sealed to prevent toner scattering, then toner containment is improved, but air pressure buildup occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different air flow characteristics in different regions. The air flow generator produces strong axial flow near the image carrier for toner containment, while radial flow components create pressure equalization paths. This localized differentiation allows sealed containment where needed while preventing pressure buildup through strategic flow paths.
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 solution effectively reduces toner scattering by maintaining a suitable air flow circulation, ensuring that toner remains within the system and preventing it from being dispersed outside, thereby enhancing the printing process's efficiency and quality.
Implementation Method 1
an air flow generator (26) located in the developing device body (20) and configured to generate an air flow
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system includes a rotatable image carrier; a rotatable developer carrier, a storage container, and an air flow generator. The developer carrier transfers toner to the image carrier at a developing region located between the image carrier and the developer carrier. The storage container stores the developer carrier. The air flow generator is separated from the storage container by a gap, and rotates in a rotational direction that is opposite to a rotational direction of the developer carrier, to channel an air flow through the gap when the air flow generator rotates.