Developing Sleeve Recesses for Uniform Image Density

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional developing sleeves in image forming apparatuses suffer from uneven image density due to wear and tear over time, leading to reduced developer transport capacity and increased costs for durability and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A developing sleeve with a magnet roller and a surface featuring regularly arranged recesses of circular or elliptic shape to enhance developer retention and distribution, reducing wear and maintaining consistent image quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If sandblasting is performed on the outer surface of the developing sleeve, then developer retention is improved, but the surface wears down and becomes smooth over time, reducing durability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeveloper retentionVSAvoiddurability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the surface structure parameter from fine convex-concave portions (sandblasting) to larger recesses with specific depth (0.05-0.15mm) and area (0.1-1.0mm²) ratios. This parameter change provides sufficient developer retention while reducing wear because the larger, shallower recesses distribute stress more effectively compared to deep sandblasted cavities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies local quality by creating specific recess regions on the developing sleeve surface with controlled depth and area ratios. The recesses are strategically designed to provide developer holding capacity only where needed, while maintaining a relatively smooth overall surface that resists wear. The local recess structures prevent developer slip without requiring the entire surface to be heavily textured.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Duration of action of stationary object

If grooves are formed on the outer surface of the developing sleeve, then durability is improved, but pitch-like uneven density occurs due to cyclical variation in developer transport

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidimage density uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the surface structure from deep grooves to shallow recesses with controlled depth (0.05-0.15mm) and area ratio (1-10%). This parameter change eliminates pitch-like uneven density because the shallow recesses create minimal variation in the development electric field intensity, while still providing sufficient developer retention. The smaller depth parameter prevents the cyclical transport variations that occur with deeper grooves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses local quality by distributing numerous small recesses across the surface rather than forming deep grooves. This local approach with many small features (each recess having small area and depth) provides uniform developer distribution while maintaining durability. The local recesses prevent developer slip without creating the large-scale cyclical variations that cause pitch-like uneven density.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Duration of action of stationary object

If the developing sleeve is made of stainless steel or hardened, then durability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the surface structure parameter to create shallow recesses (depth 0.05-0.15mm) that can be formed on conventional aluminum alloy sleeves. This parameter change allows achieving durability through surface geometry rather than material substitution, maintaining the cost advantage of aluminum alloy while providing wear resistance through the engineered recess pattern.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies segmentation by dividing the surface into numerous small recess regions rather than using a single material solution. This segmentation approach allows the base material to remain inexpensive aluminum alloy while the segmented recess structures provide the durability function, separating the material selection from the durability function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 prevents uneven image density and extends the lifespan of the developing sleeve by ensuring consistent developer transport, enhancing image quality and reducing maintenance costs.

Implementation Method 1

a magnet roller disposed within the developing sleeve to attract developer to an outer surface of the developing sleeve by magnetic force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS7925192B2Developing roller, developing device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus
Publication Date: 2011.04.12 RICOH CO LTD
  • US7925192B2 patent drawing
  • US7925192B2 patent drawing
  • US7925192B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A developing roller includes a developing sleeve and a magnet roller disposed within the developing sleeve to attract developer to an outer surface of the developing sleeve by magnetic force. The outer surface of the developing sleeve has a plurality of recesses of circular or elliptic shape in plan view regularly or irregularly arranged therein so as not to overlap.