Dynamic Developing Agent Supply Control for Image Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatuses face instability in the flow and pressure of the developing agent, leading to uneven charging and the formation of defective images on the printing medium due to inconsistent supply of the developing agent from the developing agent container to the developing device.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a developing agent container equipped with a supply unit, a detecting member to monitor the remaining agent level, and a controller that adjusts the driving rate of the supply unit when the agent level falls below a predetermined threshold, increasing the driving rate stepwise or gradually to ensure uniform supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the supply unit operates at a constant driving rate, then the device complexity is reduced and operation is simplified, but the developing agent supply becomes unstable when the remaining amount decreases, causing defective images
Solution Approach 1:
The supply unit's driving rate is made dynamic rather than constant. The controller adjusts the driving rate based on the detected remaining amount of developing agent, increasing the driving rate when the remaining amount is low to maintain stable supply. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting the supply characteristics to the actual state of the developing agent container.
Solution Approach 2:
A detecting member is introduced to monitor the remaining amount of developing agent in real-time, and this information is fed back to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to adjust the driving rate of the supply unit accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the system to maintain reliable developing agent supply by continuously responding to changes in the container state.
2Reliability
If the supply unit increases driving rate when remaining amount is low, then the supply stability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment based on its own state monitoring. The detecting member detects the remaining amount within the developing agent container, and the controller automatically adjusts the supply rate without external intervention. This self-service approach maintains uniform supply while minimizing the need for complex external control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The driving rate parameter of the supply unit is changed based on the remaining amount parameter detected by the detecting member. When the remaining amount falls below a threshold, the controller changes the driving rate parameter to a higher value, ensuring stable supply. This parameter-based control provides a simple yet effective mechanism to improve reliability without excessive complexity.
3Productivity
If the supply unit operates continuously at high driving rate, then the supply amount is increased, but the developing agent flow becomes unstable and pressure fluctuates, causing defective images
Solution Approach 1:
The driving rate is dynamically adjusted based on the remaining amount rather than operating continuously at a fixed high rate. When the remaining amount is sufficient, the driving rate operates at a normal level. When the remaining amount decreases, the driving rate is increased to maintain supply stability. This dynamic operation maintains both productivity and flow stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The detecting member provides continuous feedback on the remaining amount, allowing the controller to adjust the driving rate in response to actual supply conditions. This feedback control prevents excessive driving that would cause flow instability and pressure fluctuations, while still ensuring adequate supply amount by increasing the rate when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus, a developing agent container and a controlling method of the same that improves a supply rate of developing agent from a developing agent container to a developing device that provides the developing agent to an image carrier.