Asymmetric Developer Container Layout for Compact Image Forming Apparatus
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatuses, particularly electrophotographic color image forming apparatuses, face challenges due to the complex arrangement of developer bottles and supplying paths, leading to increased size and inefficiencies in developer supply, as well as uneven developer distribution and potential congestion in the developer supplying paths.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a configuration where developing units and developer containers are arranged side by side with non-intersecting developer supplying paths, featuring distinct outlet positions and capacities, with agitators at both sides of the second developer container to minimize path lengths and ensure equal arrangement intervals, optimizing the size and efficiency of the apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the developer bottle for the K developer is made larger than other developer bottles, then the capacity for black developer is improved, but the arrangement complexity and apparatus size increase due to complicated developer supplying paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the second developer container (black developer) at a different location from the other developer containers. Specifically, the second container is placed on the opposite side of the intermediate transfer belt compared to the first, third, and fourth containers, creating an asymmetric arrangement that simplifies the supplying path layout while accommodating the larger capacity requirement for black developer
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes spatial dimensionality by arranging developer containers in different positions relative to the intermediate transfer belt. The second developer container is positioned on the opposite side of the belt from the other containers, effectively using the vertical/dimensional space to simplify path routing and reduce overall arrangement complexity
2Area of stationary object
If the developer bottles are arranged in a compact configuration, then the apparatus size is reduced, but the developer supplying paths may intersect and cause congestion
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric positioning of the second developer container on the opposite side of the intermediate transfer belt creates non-intersecting supplying paths. This asymmetric layout allows compact arrangement while maintaining reliable developer supply by preventing path congestion and cross-contamination between different color developers
3Adaptability or versatility
If the developer supplying paths are made longer to accommodate different bottle positions, then the arrangement flexibility is improved, but the stress on developers and supply efficiency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric arrangement positions the second developer container optimally to minimize path length while maintaining flexibility. By placing it on the opposite side of the intermediate transfer belt, the supplying path for black developer is shortened, reducing developer stress and improving supply efficiency while still providing arrangement flexibility
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of developing units respectively including developer inlets, the developing units are arranged side by side in a first direction, a plurality of developer containers to contain developers to be supplied to the plurality of developing units and respectively including developer outlets, the developer units are arranged side by side in the first direction to face the plurality of developing units, and a plurality of developer supplying paths respectively to connect the developer inlets to the developer outlets, wherein the plurality of developer containers include first and second developer containers, and a position of the developer outlet of the second developer container is different from position of the developer outlet of the first developer container.