Developing Device Airflow Inlet Positioning to Reduce Developer Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
In developing devices, high internal pressure in developer containers can lead to excessive developer discharge when an exhaust port is used, as air directed to the exhaust port may contain developer, especially if the inlet is located below a magnetic pole or closer to it than the rotation axis of the developer transport member.
Innovation Solution
The developing device includes a container with an exhaust port and an air flow path, where the inlet of the air flow path is located above the attachment magnetic pole and farther from the rotation axis of the transport member in the horizontal direction, reducing the likelihood of developer discharge by keeping the inlet distant from the developer's movement path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If an exhaust port is provided to release air inside the container, then the internal pressure is reduced, but developer is discharged outside the developing device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different airflow characteristics in different regions of the container. The air flow path is designed to have different flow velocities and directions at various locations, with the inlet positioned to receive air from a region where developer concentration is minimal, thus locally optimizing the exhaust function to prevent developer discharge while maintaining pressure reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an air flow path as an intermediary system between the container interior and exhaust port. This intermediary path includes an inlet positioned above the magnetic pole and a flow direction design that acts as a mediator to separate the air exhaust function from developer particles, allowing pressure equalization without contaminant discharge
2Productivity
If the inlet of the air flow path is located below the magnetic pole or closer to it than the rotation axis, then air can be exhausted, but developer is likely to enter the exhaust port
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by positioning the inlet in the vertical dimension (above the magnetic pole) rather than only in the horizontal plane. This vertical displacement creates a spatial separation between the inlet location and the developer transport region, adding a new dimensional aspect to the airflow path design that prevents developer entry while maintaining exhaust efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by positioning the inlet above the magnetic pole before the air flow path extends toward the exhaust port. This preliminary positioning ensures that air is drawn from a clean region away from developer particles, preventing contamination before it can occur, rather than attempting to filter or remove developer after it has entered the exhaust path
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 effectively minimizes developer discharge from the developing device by positioning the air flow path inlet above the magnetic pole, preventing developer entry into the exhaust air flow and reducing the amount of developer carried outside.
Implementation Method 1
an attachment magnetic pole that is disposed inside the rotation member and that allows the developer transported by the transport member to attach to the rotation member
Data Source
AI summary
A developing device includes: a container for accommodating developer, the container having an exhaust port and an opening; an air flow path having an inlet of air directed to the exhaust port and through which the air passes; a cylindrical rotation member disposed at the opening in the container and is rotated such that a portion thereof facing the interior of the container moves upward; a transport member that rotates about a rotation axis extending along the rotation member and transports the developer inside the container; and an attachment magnetic pole that is disposed inside the rotation member and that allows the developer transported by the transport member to attach to the rotation member. The inlet of the air flow path is located above the attachment magnetic pole in a top-bottom direction. The inlet is located farther from the attachment magnetic pole than the rotation axis of the transport member is in the horizontal direction.