Developer Supply Container Pump Stop Position Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing developer supply container systems face instability in developer discharge due to the lack of a mechanism to control the stop position of the pump portion, leading to varying volume changes during operation, resulting in inconsistent and unpredictable developer discharge.

Innovation Solution

A developer supply container system with a mechanism to detect and control the stop position of the pump portion, utilizing a drive converting portion to convert rotational force into a force for operating the pump, and a portion-to-be-detected to ensure consistent expansion and contraction states, thereby stabilizing the discharge process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mechanism to control the stop position of the pump portion is not provided, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of developer discharge becomes unstable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedischarge property consistencyVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where a detecting portion monitors the position of the pump portion and provides signals to a controlling portion. This closed-loop feedback system ensures the pump portion stops at predetermined positions, maintaining consistent volume changes and reliable developer discharge without requiring complex mechanical stop controls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The pump portion is designed to automatically return to its initial position through its own reciprocating motion and elastic restoration. The system utilizes the inherent properties of the pump portion, such as elastic restoration force, to self-correct and return to the starting position without requiring additional actuators or complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If the pump portion stops halfway during operation, then the operation time is reduced, but the manufacturing precision of volume change is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevolume change consistencyVSAvoidoperation cycle time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-establishes predetermined stop positions for the pump portion during its reciprocating cycle. The controlling portion is programmed with advance knowledge of these critical positions, ensuring the pump portion stops at the correct phases of expansion and contraction. This preliminary planning of stop positions guarantees consistent volume changes without requiring real-time complex adjustments that would extend operation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the pump portion reciprocates without position control, then the ease of operation is improved, but the discharge amount consistency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedischarge amount consistencyVSAvoidoperation control simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The detecting portion continuously monitors the pump portion's position and provides feedback signals to the controlling portion. This automated feedback system maintains precise discharge amount consistency without requiring manual intervention or complex operational controls from the user, preserving ease of operation while ensuring reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical position control mechanisms with an automated detection and control system. Instead of using mechanical stops, cams, or linkages to enforce position control, the system uses sensors and electronic control to achieve the same result, simplifying the mechanical structure while maintaining discharge consistency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 reduces the variability in volume changes caused by different stop positions, enhancing the consistency and reliability of developer discharge through the discharge opening.

Implementation Method 1

a drive converting portion for converting the rotational force received by the drive receiving portion into a force for operating the pump portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotational to reciprocating motion conversion:

Implementation Method 2

a pump portion provided to act at least on the developer discharging chamber and having a volume changeable with expansion and contraction with reciprocation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVolume change through reciprocation:

Data Source

PatentUS10088775B2Developer supply container and developer supplying system

Publication Date: 2018.10.02 CANON KK

AI summary

A developer supply container detachably mountable to a developer supplying apparatus includes a pump portion provided to act at least on said developer discharging chamber and having a volume changeable with expansion and contraction with reciprocation, the cam groove for converting the rotational force received by a gear into a force for decreasing the volume of pump portion, a cam groove for converting the received force into a force for increasing the volume of the pump portion, a cam groove not converting the received force for operating the pump portion, and a phase detecting portion for stopping the rotation of a feeding portion using one of said cam grooves.