Developer Supply Container Pressure Alternation Filter Clogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional developer supply containers using air feeding types often lead to filter clogging, resulting in deteriorated image quality due to the one-way air pressure application, which causes toner to blow out of the developing device.
Innovation Solution
A developer supply container with a pump portion that alternates between discharging and suction operations through a discharge opening, using a bellow-like expansion-and-contraction mechanism to manage air flow and prevent filter clogging, ensuring stable toner supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If air feeding type is used to supply toner by pressure, then toner can be supplied from developer supply container to developing device, but filter becomes clogged with toner in short term
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by alternately reversing the air flow direction through the filter. The air flow switching mechanism periodically changes the flow direction from one direction to the opposite direction, preventing toner from accumulating and clogging the filter in a single direction. This periodic reversal maintains filter permeability over extended periods while continuing to supply toner efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements inversion by reversing the air flow direction through the filter. Instead of maintaining unidirectional air flow that causes toner accumulation, the system switches the air flow direction alternately, allowing toner deposits to be disrupted and removed during the reverse flow phase. This inversion approach resolves the contradiction by maintaining both productivity and filter reliability.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If filter is used to separate toner and gases, then air can be discharged but toner passage is prevented, but filter clogging occurs unavoidably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action by alternately switching the air flow direction through the filter at regular intervals. During one phase, the filter separates toner from air discharge; during the reverse phase, the reversed flow prevents toner accumulation. This periodic switching maintains both the harmful factor control (toner separation) and reliability (discharging function) simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies discarding and recovering by utilizing the reverse air flow phase to remove accumulated toner from the filter. The periodic reversal allows the filter to recover its discharging function by discarding accumulated toner deposits during the reverse flow phase, thereby maintaining long-term reliability while continuing to prevent toner blowout during the forward flow phase.
3Ease of operation
If air pressure is applied in one way (air discharging direction only), then air can be discharged through filter, but filter clogging occurs quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by alternately switching the air pressure application direction. Instead of applying air pressure in one direction only, the system periodically reverses the pressure direction, allowing air discharge to occur in both directions. This periodic bidirectional pressure application prevents filter clogging while maintaining ease of operation throughout extended periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies inversion by reversing the air pressure direction through the filter. The air pressure switching mechanism alternates between applying pressure in the forward direction (for air discharge) and the reverse direction (to prevent clogging). This inversion strategy maintains both ease of operation (air discharge) and reliability (filter performance duration) by distributing the operational stress bidirectionally.
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
The solution effectively suppresses filter clogging and maintains image quality by alternately changing internal pressure, allowing for efficient and consistent toner discharge while loosening the developer, thus preventing toner agglomeration and ensuring long-term filter functionality.
Implementation Method 1
using a bellow-like expansion-and-contraction mechanism to manage air flow
Implementation Method 2
alternately changing internal pressure
Implementation Method 3
allowing for efficient and consistent toner discharge while loosening the developer
Data Source
AI summary
A developing device includes a detachably mounted developer supply container configured to supply a developer with compressed air. A developer storage container includes a first opening portion through which the developer is supplied from the developer supply container to the developer storage container with the compressed air, a filter provided on a wall constituting the developer storage container to permit passage of air and restrict passage of the developer, and a stirring member to stir the developer. The developer storage container further includes a second opening portion through which the developer is supplied to a developing portion provided with a developing member. The filter is disposed between the first opening portion and the second opening portion in a rotational axis direction of the stirring member and disposed closer to the second opening portion.