Developer Restriction Member Curvature Radius Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional development devices in image formation apparatuses experience deterioration in image quality over time, leading to issues like white vertical stripes and end portion smears due to foreign objects adhering to the development blade and intense triboelectric charging.
Innovation Solution
A development device with a developer supply system featuring a development member, a developer supply member, and a developer restriction member, where the curvature radius of the contact portion is between 0.17 mm and 0.28 mm, and the ASKER F hardness of the supply member is within specific ranges, optimizing the curvature radius and hardness to prevent foreign object adherence and triboelectric charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the development blade contacts the development roller to form a developer layer, then developer supply is achieved, but foreign objects adhere to the development blade causing image quality deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the curvature radius of the development blade contact portion to a specific range (0.17 mm to 0.28 mm) and controlling the ASKER F hardness of the developer supply member within specific ranges. These parameter adjustments prevent foreign object adherence while maintaining effective developer supply, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and harmful factors.
2Strength
If the developer supply member has high hardness to maintain structural integrity, then durability is improved, but triboelectric charging increases causing end portion smears
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by precisely controlling the ASKER F hardness parameter of the developer supply member within specific ranges (40° to 70° depending on the embodiment). This parameter optimization balances structural integrity with triboelectric charging reduction, preventing end portion smears while maintaining durability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the curvature radius of the contact portion is small to reduce foreign object adherence, then image quality is maintained, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes an optimal curvature radius range (0.17 mm to 0.28 mm) that balances foreign object prevention with manufacturability. This parameter specification provides clear manufacturing guidelines while achieving the goal of reducing foreign object adherence, effectively resolving the contradiction between image quality maintenance and manufacturing precision.
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 significantly reduces the occurrence of white vertical stripes and end portion smears, maintaining image quality over extended printing periods by effectively managing the curvature radius and ASKER F hardness of the supply member.
Implementation Method 1
a developer supply member configured to supply the developer onto a surface of the development member
Implementation Method 2
foreign objects adhering to the development blade
Implementation Method 3
intense triboelectric charging
Data Source
AI summary
A development device includes an image carrier configured to develop an electrostatic latent image by using a developer, a development member configured to supply the developer to the image carrier, a developer supply member configured to supply the developer onto a surface of the development member, and a developer restriction member including a contact portion configured to form a developer layer on the surface of the development member while being in contact with the surface. A curvature radius R [mm] of the contact portion of the developer restriction member is 0.17 [mm] to 0.28 [mm], both inclusive, and an ASKER F hardness [°] of the developer supply member is 181.82×R+9.09≦F≦−250×R+130.