Developer Pump with Restricted Detection Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electrophotographic image forming apparatuses, the force required to transport developer using positive-displacement pumps increases with distance and lifting height, leading to bulkier and more costly devices, and existing control methods for maintaining constant developer flow are inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A developer conveyance device using a positive-displacement pump that alternates between positive and negative pressure, equipped with a sensor in the destination container to detect developer levels and control the pump, disabling detection during non-detection periods to prevent erroneous readings and maintain consistent flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the pump capability is increased to transport developer over longer distances or higher lifting heights, then the transport capability is improved, but the device becomes bulkier and more costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by controlling the pump to operate in intermittent cycles rather than continuously. The pump runs only when the sensor detects that developer amount has decreased below a threshold, then stops for a predetermined period. This periodic operation maintains adequate developer transport capability when needed while reducing average power consumption and preventing device bulkiness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs self-service through automatic sensor-based control. The sensor continuously monitors developer amount and automatically triggers pump operation when replenishment is needed, eliminating the need for complex manual control systems or oversized pumps designed for continuous high-capacity operation. The pump size can be minimized since it only needs to handle intermittent replenishment demands.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the pump operates continuously to maintain constant developer flow, then the transport stability is improved, but the complexity of control and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control where the sensor monitors developer amount in real-time and provides feedback to the control system. When the sensor detects that developer amount has decreased, it triggers pump operation. After a predetermined period following pump stop, detection is disabled to prevent erroneous readings during pressure transitions. This simple feedback mechanism maintains developer flow consistency without requiring complex control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary action by disabling sensor detection for a predetermined period after the pump stops operating. This preliminary disablement prevents erroneous detection during the pressure equalization phase before normal operation resumes, ensuring detection accuracy is maintained without complex error correction mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If the sensor detects developer immediately after pump stop to maintain detection accuracy, then the measurement precision is improved, but erroneous detection occurs due to pressure fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by disabling sensor detection for a predetermined period immediately after the pump stops operating. This prevents the sensor from detecting developer during the pressure equalization phase when pressure fluctuations would cause erroneous readings. After this preliminary disablement period expires, detection is re-enabled, ensuring both measurement precision and reliability are maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses beforehand cushioning by anticipating potential detection errors during pressure transitions and preemptively disabling the sensor. This prior cushioning measure prevents erroneous detection before it can occur, protecting detection reliability without requiring complex error correction or validation mechanisms.
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 solution enhances the efficiency of developer transport by maintaining consistent pressure and flow, preventing bulkiness and cost increases, while reducing the risk of erroneous detection and internal pressure issues, thus stabilizing the amount of developer and preventing leaks or excessive supply.
Implementation Method 1
a positive-displacement pump that alternately generates positive pressure and negative pressure by changing a volume of an internal space
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a developer conveyance device to transport developer, using a positive-displacement pump to alternately generate positive pressure and negative pressure by changing a volume of an internal space thereof, a destination developer container to which the developer conveyance device transports developer, a sensor provided to the destination developer container, to detect developer in the destination developer container, and a controller to control the positive-displacement pump according to a detection result generated by the sensor. The controller disabled detection of developer by the sensor in a non-detection period that starts from a stop of the positive-displacement pump.