Developer Delivery Mechanism in Image Forming Apparatus

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional developing devices in image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently delivering developers to photoconductors, leading to suboptimal print quality and developer utilization due to complex configurations and stress on the developer from multiple agitators.

Innovation Solution

The developing device incorporates a unique developer delivery configuration with a feed tool using a frictional charging force, featuring a partitioned developer receiving chamber and dual delivery units, where developers are delivered upward and then fall through an inlet to a second delivery unit, allowing for efficient feeding to the feed tool, reducing the need for multiple agitators and simplifying the configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple agitators are used to deliver developer to the photoconductor, then the developer delivery capability is improved, but the device complexity increases and stress on the developer increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeveloper delivery capabilityVSAvoidconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The developer receiving chamber is divided into a first developer receiving chamber and a second developer receiving chamber by a partition. The first delivery unit is positioned in the first chamber while the second delivery unit is positioned in the second chamber, allowing independent operation and reduced interference between delivery mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A partition with an inlet is introduced as an intermediary structure between the two delivery units. The inlet allows developer to pass from the first delivery unit to the second delivery unit, enabling coordinated operation while maintaining spatial separation and reducing direct mechanical stress on the developer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If multiple agitators are used to deliver developer, then the developer delivery capability is improved, but the stress on the developer increases causing deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeveloper delivery capabilityVSAvoiddeveloper quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The developer receiving chamber is divided into a first developer receiving chamber and a second developer receiving chamber by a partition. The first delivery unit is positioned in the first chamber while the second delivery unit is positioned in the second chamber, allowing independent operation and reduced interference between delivery mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A partition with an inlet is introduced as an intermediary structure between the two delivery units. The inlet allows developer to pass from the first delivery unit to the second delivery unit, enabling coordinated operation while maintaining spatial separation and reducing direct mechanical stress on the developer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If a complex developer delivery configuration is used, then the developer delivery capability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeveloper delivery capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The developer receiving chamber is divided into a first developer receiving chamber and a second developer receiving chamber by a partition. The first delivery unit is positioned in the first chamber while the second delivery unit is positioned in the second chamber, allowing independent operation and reduced interference between delivery mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A partition with an inlet is introduced as an intermediary structure between the two delivery units. The inlet allows developer to pass from the first delivery unit to the second delivery unit, enabling coordinated operation while maintaining spatial separation and reducing direct mechanical stress on the developer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 enhances print quality by ensuring uniform developer delivery and effective use, reducing stress on the developer and simplifying the device structure, while maintaining efficient developer consumption and preventing deterioration.

Implementation Method 1

a feed tool to feed a developer to a developing tool via a frictional charging force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrictional charging force: Friction

Implementation Method 2

the developer received in the developer receiving chamber is delivered to the second delivery unit by the first delivery unit and is delivered to the feed tool by the second delivery unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitational force: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS8139988B2Developing device of image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2012.03.20 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

A developing device includes a feed tool to feed a developer to a developing tool, a developer receiving chamber in which the developer to be fed to the feed tool is received, and a first delivery unit and a second delivery unit arranged one higher than another in a state in which the developing device is mounted in the image forming apparatus. The developer received in the developer receiving chamber is delivered to the second delivery unit by the first delivery unit and thereafter, is delivered to the feed tool by the second delivery unit.