Developer Transport Force Control for Cartridge Leakage

Solution Overview

Problem

The large capacity developer cartridge in image forming apparatuses is prone to leakage due to the developer being scraped away by the developing roller, leading to potential developer loss over time.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus with a controller that adjusts the transport force of the developer based on the installed cartridge type, using a smaller transport force for the large capacity cartridge to reduce developer leakage, even if the developing roller is scraped by the developer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If a large capacity cartridge containing more developer is used, then the usage period is extended, but the developer leaks due to scraping by the developing roller

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveusage periodVSAvoiddeveloper leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The transport force is dynamically adjusted based on cartridge capacity. The controller detects whether a small or large capacity cartridge is installed and accordingly adjusts the transport force applied by the transport member. For large capacity cartridges, a smaller transport force is applied to prevent developer leakage, while for small capacity cartridges, a larger transport force ensures adequate developer supply.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The transport force parameter is changed according to the cartridge capacity. The system changes the operational parameter (transport force) based on the detected cartridge type, applying a smaller transport force for large capacity cartridges to reduce scraping and leakage, and a larger transport force for small capacity cartridges to ensure proper developer transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of substance

If a small capacity cartridge is used, then developer leakage is minimized, but the usage period is shortened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeveloper leakageVSAvoidusage period

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The transport force is dynamically adjusted based on cartridge capacity. The controller detects whether a small or large capacity cartridge is installed and accordingly adjusts the transport force applied by the transport member. For large capacity cartridges, a smaller transport force is applied to prevent developer leakage, while for small capacity cartridges, a larger transport force ensures adequate developer supply.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The transport force parameter is changed according to the cartridge capacity. The system changes the operational parameter (transport force) based on the detected cartridge type, applying a smaller transport force for large capacity cartridges to reduce scraping and leakage, and a larger transport force for small capacity cartridges to ensure proper developer transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If a large transport force is applied to transport developer, then the developer is transported effectively, but the developing roller is scraped away leading to leakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeveloper transport efficiencyVSAvoiddeveloper leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The transport force is dynamically adjusted based on cartridge capacity. The controller detects whether a small or large capacity cartridge is installed and accordingly adjusts the transport force applied by the transport member. For large capacity cartridges, a smaller transport force is applied to prevent developer leakage, while for small capacity cartridges, a larger transport force ensures adequate developer supply.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The transport force parameter is changed according to the cartridge capacity. The system changes the operational parameter (transport force) based on the detected cartridge type, applying a smaller transport force for large capacity cartridges to reduce scraping and leakage, and a larger transport force for small capacity cartridges to ensure proper developer transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9291943B2Image forming apparatus and image forming system with cartridge capacity dependent transport force

Publication Date: 2016.03.22 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes: a cartridge installing section in which a first cartridge and a second cartridge are selectively installable; and a controller. The first cartridge includes: a first case configured to contain a first developer; a first developing roller; and a first transport member configured to transport the first developer toward the first developing roller. The second cartridge includes: a second case configured to contain a second developer, an amount of the second developer being greater than an amount of the first developer; a second developing roller; and a second transport member configured to transport the second developer toward the second developing roller. The controller is configured to control a drive source to drive one of the first transport member and the second transport member.