Collection Device Fullness Detection via Moving Member Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collection devices in electrophotographic image forming apparatuses often inaccurately detect when a toner container is full due to compressive deformation of the auger, leading to false notifications, as the auger deforms even when toner accumulates at its periphery rather than within the container.
Innovation Solution
A collection device with a moving member and a restraining member, where the moving member changes positions based on the pressure from the adhering substance, allowing for stable detection of the container's fullness by remaining at specific positions when accommodating or exceeding a predetermined pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the auger is used to convey toner in the toner container, then the toner can be transported effectively, but the auger compressively deforms when toner accumulates at its periphery, causing false detection that the container is full
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is segmented from the auger structure. A separate detection unit with a detection arm is introduced that independently monitors container fullness, separating the conveying function (auger) from the detection function (detection unit), thereby eliminating false detections caused by auger deformation
Solution Approach 2:
A detection arm serves as an intermediary element between the toner container and the detection unit. The detection arm moves in response to toner level changes and actuates the detection unit, providing an indirect but accurate measurement of container fullness that is not affected by auger deformation
2Device complexity
If the detection unit monitors the auger position to determine container fullness, then the detection mechanism is simple, but the auger deformation causes erroneous detection signals
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is extracted from the auger assembly and placed in a separate detection unit. The detection arm is detached from the auger structure, allowing it to independently respond to toner level changes without being influenced by auger deformation, thereby improving detection accuracy while maintaining simplicity
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
Ensures accurate detection of the container's fullness by preventing false positives and allowing for reliable determination of when the device is full, thereby improving operational stability.
Implementation Method 1
The moving member is configured to move from a first position to a second position that is different from the first position when a pressing force from the adhering substance exceeds a predetermined pressure
Implementation Method 2
The restraining member is configured to restrain the moving member from moving from the first position to the second position when the moving member is arranged at the first position
Data Source
AI summary
A collection device including: an accommodation part configured to accommodate therein collected adhering substance; and a detection part configured to detect an amount of the adhering substance in the accommodation part and including, a moving member configured to move from a first position to a second position, the accommodation part being capable of accommodating therein the adhering substance when the moving member is arranged at the first position and being full of the adhering substance when the moving member is in the second position, and a restraining member configured to restrain the moving member from moving from the first position to the second position when the moving member is arranged at the first position, and restrain the moving member from moving from the second position to the first position when the moving member is arranged at the second position.