Development Device Airflow Shield to Prevent Toner Spouting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In existing development devices, air in the second stirring chamber flows into the duct through the vicinity of the developer carrier, leading to the spouting of toner from the gap between the developer carrier and the development container.
Innovation Solution
A development device with a configuration that includes a development tank, a developer carrier, first and second conveyance members, an exhaust port, and a filter, where the exhaust port is positioned to cross over first and second holders, and a shield partitions the first holder from the exhaust port, guiding air flow through the second holder to prevent toner spouting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If air is exhausted from the second stirring chamber through the duct, then air circulation is improved, but toner spouts out from the gap between the developer carrier and development container
Solution Approach 1:
A shield is introduced as an intermediary component between the exhaust port and the developer carrier. The shield blocks the direct path of air flow from the exhaust port to the developer carrier, preventing toner spouting while maintaining air circulation through the duct system
Solution Approach 2:
The internal space of the development container is segmented into multiple regions using a partition wall and shield. This creates separate flow paths: one for air exhaust through the duct and another that prevents air from reaching the developer carrier gap, thus eliminating toner spouting
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 configuration effectively blocks air flow toward the developer carrier, reducing toner spouting and ensuring efficient air exhaust without disturbing the stored developer.
Implementation Method 1
a filter that is provided at the exhaust port and that collects the developer included in the exhausted air
Data Source
AI summary
A development device includes a development tank that stores a developer, a first screw and a second screw that convey the developer, an exhaust port through which air inside the development tank is exhausted, and a filter provided at the exhaust port. The development tank includes a first holder provided with a first screw, a second holder provided with a second screw, a partition wall that partitions the first holder and the second holder, and a first flow port and a second flow port that open the partition wall and through which the developer flows between the first holder and the second holder. A shield partitions the first holder and the exhaust port, and the second holder is connected to the exhaust port.