Developer Channel Geometry for Stable Gas Flow in Image Forming
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Gas discharged from the developing device in an image forming apparatus tends to flow through portions of the developer channel where the developer is dense, leading to inefficient gas flow and potential variations in developer supply.
Innovation Solution
The developer channel is designed with a filled portion filled with developer over its entire cross-section and a falling portion with a larger sectional area on the downstream side, allowing gas to flow upstream through the falling portion, facilitating efficient gas flow and stable developer supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the sectional area of the developer channel is kept uniform, then the structure is simple, but gas flow is hindered where developer is dense
Solution Approach 1:
The developer channel is designed with different sectional areas at different positions: a smaller sectional area in the filled portion where developer is dense, and a larger sectional area in the falling portion where developer concentration is lower. This local variation in geometry optimizes gas flow paths without requiring complex additional structures.
2Ease of operation
If the sectional area of the falling portion is increased, then gas flow is facilitated, but the overall channel volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The developer channel transitions from a horizontal configuration in the filled portion to a vertical configuration in the falling portion. This dimensional change allows gravity to assist developer flow while the enlarged vertical section provides adequate space for gas flow without significantly increasing the horizontal footprint of the device.
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 design enhances gas flow through the developer channel, ensuring consistent developer supply to the developing device, thereby improving the operational efficiency of the image forming apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a falling portion where the developer falls downward
Implementation Method 2
Gas flowing from the developing device to the supply device moves upstream in the developer movement direction through the developer channel
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: an image carrier; a developing device configured to cause a developer to adhere to the image carrier; and a supply device having a developer channel through which the developer passes, and configured to supply the developer to the developing device. The developer channel includes a filled portion that is filled with the developer over an entire cross section of the developer channel, and a falling portion where the developer falls downward. The falling portion is positioned on a downstream side of the filled portion in a developer movement direction. Gas flowing from the developing device to the supply device moves upstream in the developer movement direction through the developer channel. A sectional area of the falling portion is larger than a sectional area of the filled portion.