Developer Container Flexible Member Rotating Plate Bridging

Solution Overview

Problem

In electrophotographic image forming apparatuses, developer bridging occurs when the developer condenses and blocks the supply port, necessitating increased rotational speed to prevent bridging, which accelerates developer deterioration, and existing structures are complex.

Innovation Solution

A developer container with a rotating shaft, flexible member, and handguard-shaped rotating plate that extends over the supply port to separate the developer, preventing bridging without increasing rotational speed and maintaining simple structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the rotational speed of the rotating body is increased to prevent developer bridging, then developer supply reliability is improved, but developer deterioration is accelerated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeveloper supply reliabilityVSAvoiddeveloper service life

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The rotating body is segmented into multiple functional components: a flexible member for stirring and a rotating plate with radial protrusions for preventing bridging. Each component performs a specific function, allowing the system to prevent bridging without requiring high rotational speeds that would deteriorate the developer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rotating plate acts as an intermediary component between the flexible member and the supply port. The radial protrusions on the rotating plate intercept and redirect developer flow, preventing bridge formation without requiring the flexible member to rotate at high speeds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the rotational speed of the rotating body is increased to prevent developer bridging, then developer supply consistency is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeveloper supply consistencyVSAvoidrotational energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The rotating body is segmented into multiple functional components: a flexible member for stirring and a rotating plate with radial protrusions for preventing bridging. Each component performs a specific function, allowing the system to prevent bridging without requiring high rotational speeds that would consume excessive energy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rotating plate acts as an intermediary component between the flexible member and the supply port. The radial protrusions on the rotating plate intercept and redirect developer flow, preventing bridge formation without requiring the flexible member to rotate at high speeds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a complex structure is used to prevent developer bridging, then developer supply reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeveloper supply reliabilityVSAvoiddeveloper container structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotating plate is integrated with the flexible member as a single rotating body, combining the stirring function and the anti-bridging function into one component. This merging reduces the number of separate parts while maintaining reliable developer supply.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotating body serves multiple functions: the flexible member stirs the developer while the rotating plate with radial protrusions prevents bridging. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, simplifying the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Effectively prevents developer bridging at lower rotational speeds, reducing developer deterioration and simplifying the container structure, ensuring consistent developer supply.

Implementation Method 1

the flexible member causes the developer to jump up from below to a portion in the casing where the supply port is formed by the elastic force of the flexible member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11493861B2Developer container and image forming apparatus having the same

Publication Date: 2022.11.08 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

In a developer container, a rotating shaft is rotatably supported by a casing and is rotationally driven. A flexible member has a leading edge portion which is connected to the rotating shaft and turns through a region extending over a supply port on an inner lower surface of the casing when the flexible member is rotated in association with the rotating shaft. A rotating plate is formed to project in a handguard-shape from a portion of the rotating shaft adjacent to the flexible member, has an outer edge portion along an edge of the supply port, and rotates in association with the rotating shaft.