Developer Supply Apparatus Vibration Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

In separate developer cartridge type image forming apparatuses, developer particles tend to aggregate and form lumps along the passage between the developer cartridge and the developing cartridge, leading to improper developer supply and image quality issues due to varying viscosity and environmental conditions.

Innovation Solution

A developer supplying apparatus with a free fall passage and a developer lump prevention unit, comprising a developer lump removal member driven by a mechanism that converts rotational motion into reciprocating linear motion, using an elastic member to break up or prevent lump formation in the passage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If free fall method is used to supply developer from developer cartridge to developing cartridge, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but developer particles aggregate and form lumps along the passage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoiddeveloper supply consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a vibration mechanism that dynamically vibrates the developer passage to prevent developer particles from aggregating and forming lumps. This dynamic vibration disturbs the static free-fall path, keeping particles separated while maintaining the simple free-fall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies mechanical vibration directly to the developer passage through a vibration generator. The vibration mechanically disrupts particle aggregation and lump formation, ensuring consistent developer supply while preserving the simple free-fall design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

2Measurement precision

If auger is used to transport developer, then precise control of developer supply is achieved, but the path must be horizontal or level and flexible auger increases material cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeveloper supply control precisionVSAvoidmaterial cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical auger transport system with a free-fall system enhanced by vibration. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive flexible augers while achieving reliable developer supply through gravitational free-fall combined with vibration-induced particle separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If free fall passage is used, then developer can be supplied without complex mechanisms, but lumps of developer form along the path due to viscosity variation and environmental conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupply mechanism complexityVSAvoiddeveloper lump formation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration mechanism generates mechanical vibrations in the developer passage that actively prevent lump formation. The vibration keeps developer particles separated during free-fall, counteracting the effects of viscosity variation and environmental conditions without adding complex supply mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The vibration mechanism operates continuously or periodically throughout the developer supply process, ensuring that particle separation is maintained throughout the entire free-fall passage. This continuous action prevents lump formation at any point along the path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

Prevents developer lump aggregation, ensuring consistent supply and reducing the risk of motor overload and image quality degradation by maintaining a clear passage and segregating developer particles.

Implementation Method 1

using an elastic member to break up or prevent lump formation in the passage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a path defining a free fall passage of developer from the developer cartridge onto the developing cartridge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFree fall: Free Fall

Data Source

PatentUS7835674B2Developer supplying apparatus and developing apparatus having the same

Publication Date: 2010.11.16 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

A developer supplying apparatus includes a developer lump prevention unit that reduces the aggregation of developer into lumps in the path, which defines the supply passage of developer from the developer cartridge, in which the developer is stored, to the developing cartridge, which houses the developing roller. The developer lump prevention unit includes a developer lump removal member disposed in the path and a driving mechanism to drive the developer lump removal member to move in the path to prevent the developer lumps from forming and/or to break up lumps that had already formed in the path.