Developing Blade Welding for Stable Contact Pressure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In electrophotographic image forming apparatuses, the blade assembly's welding to the supporting member can lead to variations in contact pressure between the blade and the developing roller, causing degradation in print quality due to potential detachment of the blade around the openings.
Innovation Solution
The blade is welded to the supporting member at multiple locations near the positioning protrusions, including first and second weld marks positioned between the openings, to secure the blade and maintain consistent contact pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the blade is welded to the supporting member at a single location between the positioning protrusions, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the blade may detach from the supporting member causing variations in contact pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The welding process is segmented into multiple discrete welding locations rather than a single continuous weld. The blade is welded at multiple separate positions including both between the positioning protrusions and at/around the openings, distributing the attachment points to prevent detachment while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized welding operations at each location.
Solution Approach 2:
Different welding locations are selected based on local structural requirements. The openings in the blade are specifically targeted as welding locations because they provide structural features that enhance attachment stability. By concentrating welds at these locally optimal positions, the blade achieves reliable attachment without requiring excessive welding throughout the entire blade structure.
2Reliability
If the blade is welded at multiple locations including around the openings, then the blade attachment stability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blade is positioned and aligned with the supporting member before the welding process begins. The openings and positioning protrusions are pre-aligned to ensure that subsequent welding operations occur at the correct locations. This preliminary positioning simplifies the overall manufacturing process by eliminating the need for complex positioning mechanisms during welding.
Solution Approach 2:
The openings in the blade structure serve dual purposes: they are structural features of the blade design and simultaneously serve as welding locations. This self-service approach means the blade's own structural features are utilized to facilitate the welding process, eliminating the need for additional external fixtures or complex positioning systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If the blade is welded only between the positioning protrusions, then the welding process is simple, but print quality degrades due to contact pressure variations
Solution Approach 1:
The contact pressure distribution is segmented into multiple controlled welding zones. By distributing welds across multiple locations including both between the positioning protrusions and at/around the openings, the blade maintains consistent contact pressure across its entire length. This segmentation prevents localized detachment that would cause pressure variations, while each individual welding location remains simple to execute.
Solution Approach 2:
The welding locations are predetermined and pre-planned based on the blade structure and required contact pressure distribution. The openings and positioning protrusions are designed in advance to serve as welding reference points. This preliminary planning ensures that welds are placed at optimal locations to maintain consistent contact pressure without requiring complex real-time adjustments during manufacturing.
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 prevents blade detachment and reduces variations in contact pressure, thereby enhancing print quality by ensuring stable engagement between the blade and the developing roller.
Implementation Method 1
The blade is welded to the supporting member at a portion of the blade between the positioning protrusions along the blade in an extended dimension of the blade
Data Source
AI summary
A developing blade apparatus may include a supporting a protrusion and a developing blade connected to the supporting member and including an opening. The protrusion of the supporting member may be disposed within the opening. The developing blade may include a plurality of weld marks that includes a first weld mark and a second weld mark. The protrusion and the opening are disposed between the first weld mark and the second weld mark on an imaginary straight line connecting the first weld mark and the second weld mark.