Developer Cartridge Sealing via Cross-Axial Protrusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional developer cartridges in image-forming devices, such as laser printers, face issues with developer leakage between the developing roller and the casing due to gaps formed when sealing members are not securely fixed, leading to inefficiencies in recycling and potential toner loss.

Innovation Solution

The developer cartridge incorporates a support member with a protrusion and a first seal member positioned between the end zone and the opposing surface of the support member, preventing toner from leaking by ensuring a secure fit and using angled protruding parts to guide toner back into the cartridge, thus enhancing sealing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If sealing members are fixed to the casing with double-sided tape or adhesive, then the sealing members are securely attached, but remnants of the adhesive remain on the casing after the sealing members are peeled therefrom, requiring extra effort when recycling the developer cartridge

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing member attachment reliabilityVSAvoidrecycling ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the adhesive substance from the sealing system by using mechanical interference fits instead. The sealing members are attached through precise geometric matching between protrusions and recesses, eliminating the need for adhesive materials and their associated recycling problems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs the sealing members as disposable components that can be easily replaced without affecting the casing. The mechanical attachment system allows for simple removal and replacement of sealing members, making the casing reusable while the sealing members become single-use replaceable parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Ease of operation

If sealing members are mounted without adhesive on fitting parts with protruding parts, then the sealing members can be easily replaced, but a gap may be formed between the sealing member and the fitting part as the developing roller rotates, risking developer leakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing member replacement easeVSAvoidsealing effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a dynamic sealing system where the sealing member is pressed against the fitting part surface by the rotation of the developing roller. The elastic deformation of the sealing member maintains continuous contact during rotation, ensuring sealing effectiveness while allowing easy replacement when worn.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state of the sealing member from rigid to elastic, allowing it to deform and conform to the fitting part surface during roller rotation. This elastic property enables the sealing member to maintain contact pressure dynamically, preventing gaps and leakage while remaining easy to replace.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If protruding parts extend parallel to the axial direction of the developing roller to prevent sealing member shifting, then the sealing members are positioned stably, but developer may enter the gap between the sealing member and fitting part and leak out along the protruding parts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing member position stabilityVSAvoiddeveloper leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the orientation of the protruding parts from parallel to the axial direction to crossing the axial direction. This asymmetric reorientation creates a configuration where the protruding parts extend radially outward, blocking the path of developer leakage while still preventing sealing member shifting during rotation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of protruding parts into a beneficial sealing structure. By reorienting the protruding parts to cross the axial direction, they serve dual functions: preventing sealing member displacement and blocking developer leakage paths, turning a potential leakage route into a protective barrier.

Inventive Principle:

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

Data Source

PatentUS7751743B2Developer cartridge, process cartridge and image-forming device

Publication Date: 2010.07.06 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A developer cartridge includes a developer roller, a support member and a first seal member. The developer roller has a rotational axis and a peripheral surface. The peripheral surface includes a center zone and an end zone at one end portion in an axial direction. The support member supports the developer roller to be rotatable about the rotational axis. The support member has an opposing surface opposed to the end zone. A protrusion protrudes from the opposing surface, and extends in a direction crossing with the axial direction. The first seal member is disposed between the end zone and the opposing surface in order to prevent developer from leaking out of a space formed between the end zone and the opposing surface.