Developing Cartridge Frame Structure for Toner Circulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In electro-photographic image forming apparatuses, the design of conventional developing cartridges leads to toner deposition near the developing roller during high-speed printing due to a decreasing vertical space at the roller support portion, affecting toner circulation and print quality.
Innovation Solution
The developing cartridge design includes a unique frame structure with inclined melt-bonding surfaces and a center surface configuration that creates a larger obtuse angle, ensuring a consistent vertical space and facilitating toner circulation, preventing toner deposition near the developing roller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the roller support portion has a reinforcing portion extending in the axial direction between the melt-bonding portions, then the structural strength is improved, but the vertical space at the roller support portion is decreased toward the developing roller
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into a first frame and a second frame that are melt-bonded together. The reinforcing portion is integrated into the first frame structure rather than being a separate component, segmenting the support function across multiple structural elements while maintaining overall strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The melt-bonding portions are configured to extend in the axial direction of the developing roller, utilizing the axial dimension to provide reinforcement without compromising the vertical space required for toner circulation. This dimensional approach allows strength to be achieved through distributed bonding rather than concentrated structural elements.
2Productivity
If high speed printing is carried out, then the productivity is improved, but the toner may be deposited near the developing roller causing property change
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure is designed in advance to prevent toner deposition before it occurs during high-speed printing. The melt-bonding portions and reinforcing portions are configured to maintain adequate vertical space, creating a structural arrangement that proactively prevents toner circulation issues before they affect printing quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The design changes the geometric parameters of the roller support portion, specifically the configuration and positioning of melt-bonding portions, to optimize the vertical space distribution. This parameter optimization ensures sufficient space for toner circulation even during high-speed operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If the melt-bonding portions are inclined downward toward the developing roller, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the vertical space at the roller support portion is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure has different configurations in different regions: the melt-bonding portions are inclined downward for ease of manufacture, while the reinforcing portions extend axially to maintain vertical space. This local differentiation allows each region to optimize for its specific function without compromising overall performance.
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 design enhances toner circulation and prevents toner deposition, allowing for increased printing speed and capacity, ensuring reliable operation and improved print quality.
Implementation Method 1
The second frame is melt-bonded to the first frame
Data Source
AI summary
A developing cartridge includes: a first frame; and a second frame melt-bonded to the first frame. The first frame includes: a first melt-bonding surface; and a second melt-bonding surface closer to a developing roller than the first melt-bonding surface. The second frame includes: a third melt-bonding surface; a fourth melt-bonding surface; and a center surface facing the first frame. The center surface is closer to an axial center region of the developing roller than the fourth melt-bonding surface in the axial direction. The center surface has a first center surface and a second center surface closer to the developing roller than the first center surface in the first direction. The second center surface forms an obtuse angle with the first center surface and is separated from the first frame farther than the fourth melt-bonding surface in a direction perpendicular to the fourth melt-bonding surface.