Developer Feeding Plate with Crankshaft and Elastic Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-path type image forming apparatuses have a complex developer feeding configuration that leads to power transmission issues, increased stress on developers due to friction, and reduced printing quality, especially when trying to minimize the size of the developing unit.
Innovation Solution
A developing unit with a simple driving configuration using a crankshaft and elastic member to move a developer feeding plate between a storing part and a feeding unit, reducing the number of agitators and minimizing developer stress, featuring a perforated plate with developer flowing holes for efficient developer transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple agitators are used to feed developer, then developer feeding efficiency is improved, but power transmission complexity increases and driving part becomes overloaded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple agitators into a single integrated developer feeding plate with multiple holes, eliminating the need for separate power transmission mechanisms for each agitator. This merging reduces power transmission complexity while maintaining developer feeding efficiency through the unified plate structure that distributes developer to multiple locations simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The developer feeding plate serves multiple functions: it acts as both the feeding mechanism and the distributor of developer to multiple locations. The single plate with multiple holes performs the work of multiple separate agitators, reducing the number of components while maintaining the ability to feed developer efficiently to various positions in the developing unit.
2Volume of moving object
If number of agitators is increased to minimize apparatus size, then compactness is improved, but developer stress from friction increases and printing quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical agitation system with a developer feeding plate that uses gravity and controlled movement. Instead of multiple rotating agitators that create friction, the single plate with multiple holes allows developer to flow smoothly under gravity, reducing frictional stress while maintaining compact apparatus size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters from high-speed rotation of multiple agitators to slow, controlled movement of a single plate. This parameter change reduces the frictional stress on developer particles while still achieving effective developer distribution, thereby improving printing quality while maintaining compactness.
3Productivity
If multiple agitators rotate at different speeds, then developer feeding is optimized, but driving part becomes overloaded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function of multiple agitators with different rotation speeds into a single developer feeding plate that moves at one controlled speed. The multiple holes in the plate create different flow patterns and feeding rates naturally, eliminating the need for multiple motor-driven agitators and reducing power consumption while maintaining optimized developer feeding.
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 developer feeding efficiency, reduces power transmission complexity, minimizes developer deformation, and improves printing quality by reducing frictional stress and allowing for a more compact apparatus design.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member which is provided between the casing and the developer feeding plate and to apply an elastic force to the developer feeding plate to return the developer feeding plate having moved from the developer feeding unit to the developer storing part to the developer feeding unit
Data Source
AI summary
A developing unit includes a developer feeding unit which feeds developer to an image receptor, a casing which supports the developer feeding unit and includes a developer storing part provided in an area to face the developer feeding unit and to store the developer, and a developer feeding plate which is formed with a developer flowing hole through which the developer flows, and is provided to move between the developer storing part and the developer feeding unit.