Image Forming Apparatus Developer Deterioration Speed Control

Solution Overview

Problem

The two-component developer used in image forming apparatuses deteriorates over time, leading to scattering issues within the device, which necessitates inconvenient maintenance operations such as stopping the image forming process or notifying users for replacement.

Innovation Solution

The image forming apparatus adjusts its printing speed based on the deterioration of the developer, switching to a slower speed when the developer's drive time integrated value exceeds a threshold, thereby reducing contamination and scattering by slowing down the developing motor and other components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the image forming apparatus stops operation or notifies for developer replacement when developer deteriorates, then toner scattering and contamination are prevented, but user convenience deteriorates and maintenance steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetoner scatteringVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the image forming apparatus adaptable through speed adjustment based on developer deterioration level. The system transitions from a static operation mode (stop or notify) to a dynamic mode where printing speed varies continuously or in steps according to developer condition, allowing continuous operation while controlling toner scattering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameter (printing speed) based on the developer's deterioration state. By monitoring drive time integrated value and adjusting speed accordingly, the system resolves the contradiction between preventing toner scattering and maintaining user convenience, as speed reduction is applied gradually rather than abrupt shutdown.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the image forming apparatus stops operation when developer deteriorates, then toner scattering is prevented, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetoner scatteringVSAvoidimage formation output

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts printing speed based on developer deterioration level, transitioning from high speed when developer is fresh to reduced speed when deteriorated. This dynamic adaptation allows continuous operation and maintains productivity while controlling toner scattering, eliminating the need for complete shutdowns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameter (printing speed) based on the developer's deterioration state. By monitoring drive time integrated value and adjusting speed accordingly, the system resolves the contradiction between preventing toner scattering and maintaining user convenience, as speed reduction is applied gradually rather than abrupt shutdown.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the developing motor speed is reduced to prevent toner scattering, then contamination is reduced, but image formation speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinternal contaminationVSAvoidimage formation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts printing speed based on developer deterioration level, transitioning from high speed when developer is fresh to reduced speed when deteriorated. This dynamic adaptation allows continuous operation and maintains productivity while controlling toner scattering, eliminating the need for complete shutdowns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameter (printing speed) based on the developer's deterioration state. By monitoring drive time integrated value and adjusting speed accordingly, the system resolves the contradiction between preventing toner scattering and maintaining user convenience, as speed reduction is applied gradually rather than abrupt shutdown.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11675301B2Image forming apparatus and image forming method that accounts for deterioration of a developer

Publication Date: 2023.06.13 TOSHIBA TEC KK

AI summary

According to one embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes a printer and a controller. The printer performs image formation on a sheet at a first speed relating to a speed of image formation or at a second speed slower than the first speed. The controller acquires information on deterioration of developer contained in an own apparatus, and controls the printer to perform image formation at the first speed when the information does not satisfy a predetermined condition indicating that the developer is deteriorated and to perform image formation at the second speed when the information satisfies the predetermined condition.