Developing Device Seal Member Ventilation Section
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing developing devices face inefficiencies in loading developing agents due to air pressure retention in the container chamber, which prevents the agent from entering the developing chamber, leading to leakage and reduced loading efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A developing device with a seal member that includes a ventilation section with ventilating holes, allowing air to pass while restricting the developing agent, is used to seal the opening between the container and developing chambers, ensuring efficient loading by allowing air to escape while preventing agent leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the opening is sealed by the seal member to prevent leakage of the developing agent, then the reliability of the sealing is improved, but the loading efficiency of the developing agent deteriorates due to air pressure retention
Solution Approach 1:
The seal member incorporates a ventilation section with ventilating holes that allow air to pass through while the seal member prevents developing agent particles from passing. This porous structure enables simultaneous air venting and particle sealing, resolving the contradiction between sealing reliability and loading efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilation section acts as an intermediary element within the seal member, providing a dedicated pathway for air to escape while the surrounding seal member material blocks the developing agent particles. This intermediary structure allows both functions to coexist without direct conflict
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the seal member completely seals the opening, then the prevention of developing agent leakage is improved, but the air venting function deteriorates leading to reduced loading efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The seal member uses a porous or perforated structure with ventilating holes sized to allow air molecules to pass through while blocking larger developing agent particles. This selective permeability simultaneously achieves leakage prevention and air venting
Solution Approach 2:
The seal member is segmented into different functional zones: the ventilation section with holes for air passage and the surrounding sealing portion for particle blocking. This segmentation allows the single component to perform both air venting and leakage prevention functions
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
The solution effectively prevents leakage and enhances the loading efficiency of the developing agent by allowing air to vent while keeping the agent contained, thereby improving the overall operation of the device.
Implementation Method 1
The ventilation member includes a plurality of ventilating holes. A size of each of the plurality of ventilating holes is between 4 and 8 μm at a diameter basis
Data Source
AI summary
A developing device, including a casing and a seal member is provided. The casing includes a divider wall, dividing a space inside the casing into a container chamber and a developing chamber, and a developing roller. The divider wall includes an opening. The container chamber accommodates a developing agent. The seal member is configured to seal the opening. The seal member includes a ventilation section configured to allow air to pass there-through but restrict the developing agent from passing there-through at least at a part of an area that seals the opening.