Developer Container With Integrated Crumbling Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing developer container structures in image forming apparatuses often require separate members for transporting and agitating the developer, leading to complexity and inefficiency in developer usage, particularly in ensuring complete discharge and preventing leakage or compaction.
Innovation Solution
A developer container design that integrates a rotating containing device with a crumbling device, where the crumbling device applies a force to transport the developer towards an outlet through inclined surfaces and paddles, eliminating the need for a separate transport member and enhancing developer flow and containment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a separate transport member is provided to transport developer toward the outlet, then developer transport efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the transport function and agitating function into a single rotating containing device. The containing device rotates to both transport developer toward the outlet and agitate the developer through its rotation, eliminating the need for a separate transport member and reducing structural complexity while maintaining transport efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The containing device serves multiple functions: it stores developer, transports developer toward the outlet through rotation, and agitates the developer to prevent compaction. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed in the system
2Productivity
If the containing device is rotated to transport developer, then developer discharge is improved, but developer compaction may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation of the containing device creates periodic motion that continuously agitates the developer during transport. This periodic agitation prevents the developer from becoming compacted while ensuring complete discharge toward the outlet
3Reliability
If a separate agitating member is provided to prevent developer compaction, then developer flow quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The agitating function is merged into the rotating containing device itself. The rotation of the containing device provides continuous agitation to the developer, eliminating the need for a separate agitating member while maintaining developer flow quality and preventing compaction
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 simplifies the structure, reduces component count and cost, ensures complete developer usage, and minimizes leakage or compaction, while maintaining effective developer transport and agitation.
Implementation Method 1
The containing device contains developer Tn therein and is rotated so as to transport the developer
Implementation Method 2
The applying member applies a force for transporting the developer toward the outlet when the crumbling device is rotated
Data Source
AI summary
A developer container includes a containing device, a support member, and a crumbling device. The containing device contains developer therein and is rotated so as to transport the developer. The support member supports the containing device such that the containing device is rotatable. The support member has an outlet through which the developer transported by the containing device flows out. The crumbling device is supported such that the crumbling device is rotatable together with the containing device. The crumbling device is, when the containing device is rotated, rotated so as to crumble the developer. The crumbling device includes a body portion and an applying member. The body portion extends from a region near the containing device toward the outlet. The applying member is formed in the body portion. The applying member applies a force for transporting the developer toward the outlet when the crumbling device is rotated.