Developing Device Blade Adhesion for Uniform Toner
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, such as laser printers, the layer-thickness regulating blade's support member and leaf-spring member often bend, leading to uneven toner distribution on the developing roller, causing image density unevenness and streaks due to non-uniform pressure contact, and adhesion-based solutions can result in dust accumulation on the optical path, further disrupting image formation.
Innovation Solution
A developing device with a rectangular-shaped support member and a leaf-spring member fixed by adhesion using a double-sided tape, where the adhesive layer is positioned to avoid the leaf-spring member's proximal end edge, ensuring uniform pressure contact and minimizing dust interference with the optical path by maintaining the adhesive layer's position away from the optical path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the support member is fixed to the casing with screws penetrating through the leaf-spring member, then the support member is securely attached, but the center portion of the support member bends causing non-uniform pressure contact and image density unevenness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful element (screws penetrating the leaf-spring member) and replaces it with an alternative attachment method. The support member is fixed to the casing using adhesion or alternative mounting that does not involve screws passing through the leaf-spring member, thereby eliminating the bending issue while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different attachment methods to different regions. Instead of uniform screw fixation across the entire support member, the attachment is localized to specific areas that do not interfere with the leaf-spring member's structural integrity, ensuring both secure mounting and uniform pressure distribution.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the support member and leaf-spring member are fixed by adhesion, then dust accumulation is reduced, but the adhesive layer may still interfere with the optical path causing white streaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the adhesive layer from the optical path area entirely. The support member is designed and positioned such that no adhesive is applied in regions that could intercept laser light, eliminating the source of white streaks while maintaining the benefits of adhesion-based fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent repositions the adhesive application in a different spatial dimension - applying it only on portions of the support member that are outside the optical path. This dimensional separation allows the adhesive to provide secure fixation without interfering with light transmission.
3Volume of moving object
If a small image forming apparatus is used with limited space, then compactness is achieved, but there is insufficient space between the optical path and support member allowing dust to interfere with laser light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the support member and adhesive layer in space such that the adhesive is applied only in areas outside the optical path. This spatial rearrangement allows compact apparatus design while preventing dust and adhesive from interfering with laser light transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different properties to different regions of the support member. The portion within the optical path area is designed to be dust-free and adhesive-free, while other portions can have adhesive applied for secure mounting, achieving both compactness and optical clarity.
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
This configuration ensures uniform toner layer thickness on the developing roller, preventing image density unevenness and maintaining clear optical paths, resulting in improved image quality and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a adhesive layer for fixing the support member and the leaf-spring member by adhesion
Implementation Method 2
a leaf-spring member extended toward the developing roller from the support member... in pressure contact with the surface of the developing roller
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a developing device including: a casing; a developing roller held by the casing and carrying a developing agent; and a layer-thickness regulating blade for regulating a layer thickness of the developing agent carried on the developing roller, in which in the state where the developing roller is held by the casing, the tip end portion of the layer-thickness regulating blade abuts against the developing roller at a uniform pressure in the axial direction of the developing roller, and in the state where the developing roller is not held by the casing, the layer-thickness regulating blade is bent toward a disposed position of the developing roller.