Developer Cartridge Leakage Restraining Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

In tandem color image-forming devices, developer leakage from one cartridge can cause a chain reaction of leakage in neighboring cartridges due to fallen developer being conveyed to positions corresponding to the side seals of adjacent cartridges, leading to degradation of those seals and further leakage.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a developer cartridge with a leakage restraining member and a developer moving member that directs leaked developer away from the side seals, ensuring it falls onto the conveying belt at positions not corresponding to the side seals, thereby preventing chain reactions of leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a safeguard film is fixed on the lower front edge of the casing to stop developer leakage, then developer leakage is minimized, but leaked developer still drops onto the conveying belt at positions corresponding to the side seals of neighboring cartridges, causing chain reaction leakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeveloper leakage preventionVSAvoidchain reaction leakage to neighboring cartridges

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A leakage restraining member is introduced as an intermediary component between the developing roller and the conveying belt. This member intercepts leaked developer and redirects it to safe positions, preventing direct contact with side seals of neighboring cartridges while maintaining the protective function of the safeguard film

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The leakage restraining member utilizes the path of leaked developer to redirect it away from harmful positions. By intercepting developer at the point of leakage and guiding it to safe zones, the system converts the harmful leakage path into a controlled redirection that protects neighboring cartridges

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Loss of substance

If developer leaks from the developer cartridge, then the safeguard film stops most developer, but remaining developer falls onto the conveying belt and is conveyed to side seals of adjacent cartridges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeveloper loss controlVSAvoidside seal integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The leakage restraining member is positioned to intercept developer leakage before it can reach the conveying belt and be conveyed to neighboring cartridges. By acting preliminarily at the leakage source, the system prevents the chain reaction before it can initiate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 prevents developer leakage from spreading to neighboring cartridges by ensuring leaked developer is directed out of the leakage restraining member's path, maintaining the integrity of the side seals and preventing a chain reaction of leaks.

Implementation Method 1

The leakage restraining member is disposed between the casing and the second peripheral part and slidingly contacts the second peripheral part so as to restrain the developer from leaking out of the first peripheral part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

The developer moving member moves developer leaked from between the second peripheral part and the leakage restraining member out of a predetermined region at a position opposing the leakage restraining member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS7706714B2Image-forming device and developer cartridge having leakage restraining member and developer moving member

Publication Date: 2010.04.27 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

An image-forming device includes a plurality of developer cartridges, a developer moving member and a conveying belt. Each of the developer cartridges includes a casing, a developing roller and a leakage restraining member. The peripheral surface of the developer cartridge has a first peripheral part to convey the developer accommodated in the casing and a second peripheral part. The leakage restraining member is disposed between the casing and the second peripheral part and slidingly contacts the second peripheral part so as to restrain the developer from leaking out of the first peripheral part. The developer moving member moves developer leaked from between the second peripheral part and the leakage restraining member out of a predetermined region at a position opposing the leakage restraining member.