Developing Device Housing Space Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing developing devices require a large separate space to collect developers that float from the storage part, leading to inefficient use of housing space.
Innovation Solution
A developing device with a housing that includes an opening portion for developer storage, a sealing part to allow developers to fall into a storage space, an inlet for developers to flow into the storage space, and a collecting part to gather developers within the storage space, reducing the need for additional space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate space is provided to collect developers floating from the storage part, then developers can be collected effectively, but the housing space becomes inefficient and the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the developer collection function with the housing structure by forming the collection space within the existing housing volume. The bottom plate of the housing is configured to collect developers, eliminating the need for a separate external collection space. This integration resolves the contradiction by achieving effective developer collection while maintaining compact housing space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by placing the developer collection space within the housing structure itself. The collection space is nested within the housing volume, utilizing the same spatial envelope. This allows the collection function to be embedded within the existing device boundaries, improving space efficiency while maintaining collection effectiveness.
2Volume of stationary object
If the housing space is reduced to improve device size, then the device becomes more compact, but there is insufficient space to collect floating developers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the developer collection function with the housing structure by using the housing's bottom plate and internal volume for collection. This merging allows the collection capability to be integrated into the compact housing without requiring additional external space, thus maintaining small device size while ensuring adequate collection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension within the housing for developer collection. By configuring the bottom plate and internal space to collect developers falling downward, the patent effectively uses the vertical space within the compact housing volume. This dimensional approach allows adequate collection space without increasing the horizontal footprint of the device.
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 allows for efficient use of space by collecting developers within the housing, reducing the overall size of the device and improving space management.
Implementation Method 1
a sealing part that seals the opening portion and is removed to allow the developer to fall through the opening portion
Implementation Method 2
an inlet that is provided in the housing, allows the developer floating from the storage part to flow into the storage space from which the developer has fallen
Data Source
AI summary
A developing device includes: a housing which includes an opening portion open downward and in which a developer is stored in an internal storage space, the storage space being formed of a region of the internal space in which the developer is present; a sealing part that seals the opening portion and is removed to allow the developer to fall through the opening portion; a storage part that stores the developer having fallen through the opening portion; an inlet that is provided in the housing, allows the developer floating from the storage part to flow into the storage space from which the developer has fallen, and is different from the opening portion; and a collecting part that is provided on the housing and collects the developer having flowed into the storage space through the inlet.