Developing Cartridge Agitator Blade Contacting Supply Roller

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing developing cartridges with first and second agitators inside the casing often fail to adequately agitate toner, leading to its aggregation on the supply roller, which can result in reduced toner on the developing roller and printing blur, especially when the developing roller is positioned below the supply roller due to gravity.

Innovation Solution

A developing cartridge design that includes a second agitator positioned between the first agitator and the supply roller, with a blade tip end configured to contact the peripheral surface of the supply roller, effectively scraping off aggregated toner and preventing its transfer to the developing roller.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the developing roller is positioned below the supply roller, then the cartridge structure is simplified and assembly is easier, but gravity causes toner to aggregate on the supply roller surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecartridge structureVSAvoidtoner distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The second agitator blade is positioned to contact the supply roller surface before toner aggregation can occur, performing preliminary scraping action to prevent toner from settling and aggregating on the supply roller due to gravity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The second agitator blade acts as an intermediary element between the supply roller and the toner, physically interfering with the toner flow to prevent aggregation by scraping the supply roller surface and redistributing toner particles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If only first and second agitators are provided in the casing, then the device structure is simple, but toner agitation is insufficient leading to aggregation on the supply roller

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveagitator structureVSAvoidtoner agitation effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The agitation function is segmented into three distinct components: the first agitator for general toner mixing, the second agitator for targeted supply roller surface cleaning, and the blade contact mechanism for direct toner scattering, with each segment performing a specific agitation task

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second agitator blade is specifically positioned to contact only the supply roller surface at a localized region where toner aggregation is most likely to occur, providing targeted agitation action rather than uniform agitation throughout the entire casing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the second agitator blade contacts the supply roller peripheral surface, then toner aggregation is prevented, but there is risk of blade damage and mechanical interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetoner aggregation preventionVSAvoidblade durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The blade contacts the supply roller surface with light pressure just sufficient to scrape off aggregated toner particles, using partial action rather than forceful contact, which prevents excessive wear and damage while still achieving the aggregation prevention effect

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The blade is designed with appropriate material properties and geometric shape that provide cushioning effect during contact with the supply roller, absorbing impact forces and preventing both blade damage and supply roller damage while maintaining effective toner scraping

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS11415912B2Developing cartridge including agitator configured to contact peripheral surface of supply roller

Publication Date: 2022.08.16 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A developing cartridge includes a casing, a developing roller, a supply roller, a first agitator and a second agitator. The casing is configured to accommodate toner therein. The supply roller is configured to supply the toner to the developing roller. The first agitator is configured to agitate the toner in the casing. The second agitator is configured to agitate the toner in the casing. The second agitator is positioned between the first agitator and the supply roller. The second agitator includes a blade having a tip end configured to contact a peripheral surface of the supply roller.