Developer Container Segmented Covers for Leakage Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional developer containers with a single cover for multiple developer chambers cannot effectively check for leakage between different colored developers, leading to potential mixing and degradation of image quality.

Innovation Solution

A developer container design with separate covers for each developer chamber, allowing for individual sealing and easy leakage detection by providing a cover for each chamber corresponding to its opening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single cover is used to close multiple developer chambers, then the device complexity is reduced, but it becomes impossible to check for developer leakage from each chamber individually

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecover structureVSAvoidleakage detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The single cover is divided into multiple separate covers, each corresponding to one developer chamber. This segmentation allows each cover to be removed independently for leakage inspection while maintaining the overall compact structure of the developer container.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If separate covers are provided for each developer chamber, then leakage detection becomes easy, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleakage detectionVSAvoidcover structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cover system is segmented into multiple independent covers that can be separately removed and attached. Each cover corresponds to a specific developer chamber, enabling targeted leakage inspection without affecting other chambers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each separate cover serves multiple functions: sealing the developer chamber, enabling leakage detection when removed, and maintaining structural integrity when attached. The covers are designed to be simple yet multi-functional components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If a single cover is used, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but developer mixing between chambers may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecover assemblyVSAvoiddeveloper separation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By providing separate covers for each developer chamber, the patent ensures that each chamber can be independently sealed and inspected. This prevents developer mixing while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes for each individual cover.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each cover is designed with specific local characteristics tailored to its corresponding developer chamber, such as matching shapes, sealing surfaces, and attachment mechanisms. This local customization ensures reliable sealing for each chamber while maintaining overall system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Reliability

If separate covers are provided for each chamber, then image quality consistency is maintained through leakage prevention, but the overall structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage quality consistencyVSAvoidcontainer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The developer container is segmented into multiple independent chambers with separate covers, allowing individual leakage prevention for each chamber. This ensures that developer mixing does not occur, maintaining image quality consistency while keeping each segment relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3550369B1Developer container, image forming unit, and image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2023.12.20 OKI ELECTRIC INDUSTRY CO LTD

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AI summary

A developer container (50) includes: a body (50b) in which a plurality of developer chambers (53a, 53b,53c) that store developer are arranged, each developer chamber having an opening (531a, 531b, 531c); and a plurality of covers (70a, 70b, 70c) that seal the openings of the plurality of developer chambers, the plurality of covers being separately provided to correspond to the openings of the plurality of developer chambers.