Developer Conveyance Device Pumping Strategy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing developer conveyance devices using positive-displacement pumps face challenges with increased conveyance load and bulkiness due to the need for higher pressure and larger sizes to handle varying distances and lifting heights of developer, leading to increased costs and reduced operational life.
Innovation Solution
A developer conveyance device with a positive-displacement pump that alternately generates positive and negative pressure, ensuring Qp>Qd, where Qp is the volume moved by a single pumping action and Qd is the volume in the developer reservoir, allowing for efficient transport with a compact design by maintaining a balance between developer and air in the conveyance channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the pump size, rotational frequency, or stroke is increased to increase the capacity of the positive-displacement pump, then the pump can transport more developer, but the device becomes bulkier and the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by controlling the pump to operate in intermittent cycles rather than continuously. The pump operates at high speed only when the conveyance channel requires developer replenishment, then stops to allow air to clear the channel. This periodic operation pattern maintains high productivity during active pumping while avoiding the need for a continuously running large-capacity pump, thereby reducing device size and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the pump operational parameters variable rather than fixed. The pump's rotational frequency and operational state (on/off) are dynamically adjusted based on the real-time developer level in the conveyance channel. This dynamic control allows a smaller pump to achieve the same effective capacity as a larger continuous pump by operating at higher speeds only when needed.
2Productivity
If the pump size or rotational frequency is increased to increase the capacity, then more developer can be transported, but the device becomes bulkier and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback control where the operational state of the pump is determined by the developer level in the conveyance channel. When the developer level drops below a threshold, the pump activates to replenish it; when the level is sufficient, the pump stops. This feedback mechanism allows a simpler, smaller pump to maintain optimal productivity without requiring complex mechanical designs or high continuous capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves self-service through automatic pump control based on developer level detection. The pump autonomously activates and deactivates according to the conveyance channel's needs without external intervention, eliminating the need for complex external control systems and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining productivity.
3Quantity of substance
If a large amount of developer is present in the conveyance channel, then the conveyance channel is filled with developer, but the amount of force required for transporting developer increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by operating the pump in intermittent cycles rather than continuously. The pump operates at high speed only when the conveyance channel requires developer replenishment, then stops to allow air to clear the channel. This periodic operation pattern maintains high productivity during active pumping while avoiding the need for a continuously running large-capacity pump, thereby reducing device size and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the pump operational parameters variable rather than fixed. The pump's rotational frequency and operational state (on/off) are dynamically adjusted based on the real-time developer level in the conveyance channel. This dynamic control allows a smaller pump to achieve the same effective capacity as a larger continuous pump by operating at higher speeds only when needed.
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 configuration reduces conveyance load, enhances efficiency, extends the operational life of the device, and maintains a compact design while preventing toner coagulation by fluidizing the developer with air.
Implementation Method 1
a positive-displacement pump to alternately generate positive pressure and negative pressure by varying a volume of space therein to transport developer from the developer reservoir to a destination
Implementation Method 2
preventing toner coagulation by fluidizing the developer with air
Data Source
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AI summary
A developer conveyance device (48) includes a developer reservoir (54) for containing developer, having a developer outlet (54a) at a bottom portion thereof, and a positive-displacement pump (56) to alternately generate positive pressure and negative pressure by varying a volume of space therein to transport developer from the developer reservoir (54) to a destination. When Qp represents a volume of developer moved by a single pumping action of the pump (56), calculated by multiplying a maximum flow amount of the pump (56) per unit time by an operation time of the pump (56); Qd represents a volume of developer contained in the developer reservoir (54); and Qe represents a volume of developer present in a virtual columnar space (K) defined by vertically raising the developer outlet (54a) to a level of developer contained in the developer reservoir (54), either Qp>Qd or Qp>Qe is satisfied.