Remanufacturing Developing Apparatus via Communication Hole
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remanufacturing methods for image forming cartridges with stirring members often interfere with the refilling process, making it difficult to refill the developer storage chamber without damaging the stirring member or being hindered by its presence.
Innovation Solution
A remanufacturing method that involves forming a communication hole between the developer storage chamber and the outside, allowing for refilling through this hole while ensuring the stirring member does not obstruct the process, and sealing the hole afterwards, potentially using a filter that can be peeled away to create the communication hole.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a hole is bored in the developer storage chamber for refilling, then the cartridge can be remanufactured, but the stirring member interferes with the refilling process
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is segmented into removable parts to form a communication hole. Specifically, a side wall of the frame is removed to create an opening that provides access to the developing chamber for refilling, while the stirring member remains in place in the storage chamber without interfering with the refilling operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The interfering side wall of the frame is extracted (removed) to create the communication hole. This removal eliminates the obstruction caused by the stirring member, allowing refilling to proceed smoothly while the stirring member stays in its original position in the storage chamber.
2Ease of manufacture
If the frame is removed to form a communication hole, then refilling becomes possible, but the structural integrity of the frame is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Only the specific side wall portion that obstructs refilling is removed to form the communication hole, while the rest of the frame structure remains intact. This localized modification provides refilling access without compromising the overall structural integrity of the frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication hole is formed by removing one side wall of the frame, creating an asymmetric structure that provides access for refilling. The asymmetric design allows the stirring member to remain in the storage chamber without interfering with the refilling operation through the opened side.
3Reliability
If a sealing member is used to seal the communication hole, then the cartridge is sealed, but the stirring member may still interfere with the sealing process
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member is integrated with the frame structure, forming a unified sealing mechanism. The sealing member is fitted into the communication hole in a manner that combines it with the frame, creating an effective seal without requiring separate complex sealing mechanisms, and the stirring member does not interfere with this integrated sealing arrangement.
Data Source
AI summary
A remanufacturing method of a developing apparatus including: a communicating step of removing a part of a frame of the developing apparatus to form a communication hole such that an outside of the frame and a developing chamber of the frame are connected each other; a refilling step of refilling an inside of the frame with developer via the communication hole; and a sealing step of sealing the communication hole.