Developer Discharge Port Sealing Sheet for Reusable Unsealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing configurations for developer discharge ports in image forming devices are complex and expensive, with issues such as adhesive residue and high costs associated with molded sealing parts, and require detachment of the development device for unsealing.
Innovation Solution
A sealing member comprising a flexible sheet with a sealing portion, a held portion, and a fixed portion that can be detachably attached to the development device, allowing for easy sealing and unsealing without detaching the device, and is reusable, thus reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive tape is used to seal the discharge port, then reliable sealing is achieved, but adhesive residue remains and damage occurs when peeling off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a disposable sealing sheet that is discarded after single use, eliminating the need to peel off adhesive tape. The sealing sheet is inserted into the discharge port and discarded after sealing, preventing adhesive residue and damage to the discharge port.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing sheet is made of flexible material that can conform to the discharge port shape, providing reliable sealing without requiring adhesive. The flexibility allows the sheet to be inserted and positioned easily while maintaining seal integrity.
2Reliability
If molded sealing part is used to seal the discharge port, then reliable sealing is achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive molded sealing parts with a simple flexible sealing sheet. This thin film solution provides equivalent sealing functionality at much lower cost, as it requires minimal material and simple manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable sealing sheet is significantly cheaper than molded sealing parts. By using a low-cost disposable alternative, the patent reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining sealing reliability for the intended single-use application.
3Reliability
If sealing member is used to seal the discharge port, then developer leakage is prevented, but device detachment is required for unsealing
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing sheet is designed as a separate, removable component that can be independently inserted and removed from the discharge port. This segmentation allows the sealing function to be applied without detaching the entire development device from the image forming device body.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing sheet is pre-formed and ready for insertion before the development device is detached. This preliminary preparation allows sealing to be applied quickly and easily without requiring complex unsealing operations or device detachment.
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing member is a sheet member including a sealing portion that seals a discharge port in a developer discharge unit, a held portion that is connected to an end portion of the sealing portion on a first side in a predetermined connection direction and is detachably held by a holding section provided on the first side of the discharge port in the developer discharge unit in the connection direction, and a fixed portion that is connected to an end portion of the sealing portion on a second side in the connection direction and is detachably fixed to a fixing section provided on the second side of the discharge port in the developer discharge unit in the connection direction.