Elastic Regulating Member Stabilizing Developer Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing regulating members in image forming apparatuses face challenges in stabilizing the peak value of the pressing force applied to the developer carrying member, leading to density non-uniformity in images due to variations in the outer diameter of the developer carrying member or the position of the regulating member, resulting in cyclic density non-uniformity.
Innovation Solution
A regulating member with a plate-like supporting member having elasticity, featuring a fixed portion and two contact portions - a convex projection and a straight portion - is designed to stabilize the peak pressing force by absorbing changes in virtual bite depth, ensuring consistent developer intake and pressure distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single contact point regulating member is used, then the structure is simple, but the peak pressing force varies causing density non-uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
The regulating member is divided into multiple independent contact portions (first contact portion and second contact portion) along the circumferential direction. Each contact portion independently presses the developer carrying member at different positions, creating multiple pressing force peaks that stabilize the overall pressing force and eliminate density non-uniformity caused by single contact point variations.
2Ease of manufacture
If the outer diameter of the developer carrying member varies, then assembly is easier, but the contact state and pressing force become unstable causing cyclic density non-uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the contact portions along the circumferential direction, the regulating member can accommodate diameter variations of the developer carrying member. The multiple contact portions distribute the pressing force across different locations, so that variations in outer diameter do not cause unstable contact state or cyclic density non-uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the pressing force distribution pattern from a single peak to multiple peaks (at least two local maximum values) by adding multiple contact portions. This parameter change in pressing force distribution makes the system more robust to diameter variations of the developer carrying member, maintaining stable contact state and eliminating cyclic density non-uniformity.
3Manufacturing precision
If edge contact is used to reduce developer intake opening, then the developer layer becomes thin, but the contact state and pressing force become unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The contact interface is segmented into multiple discrete contact portions rather than a continuous edge contact. Each contact portion maintains sufficient contact area for stable pressing force while collectively achieving the desired thin developer layer. This segmentation stabilizes the contact state by distributing the regulatory function across multiple points.
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 stabilizes the developer amount on the developing roller, reducing density non-uniformity and maintaining image quality even with variations in the outer diameter of the developer carrying member, by distributing pressure with multiple local maximum values and absorbing changes in virtual bite depth.
Implementation Method 1
a plate-like supporting member having an elasticity, said supporting member being provided with a fixed portion for being fixed to a fixed part
Data Source
AI summary
A regulating member for regulating a developer amount carried on a developer carrying member includes a plate-like supporting member having an elasticity, the supporting member being provided with a fixed portion for being fixed to a fixed part; a first contact portion contactable to the developer carrying member, the first contact portion protruding from the regulating member from a side of the supporting member; and a second contact portion contactable to and the developer carrying member, the second contact portion being at a position closer to the fixed portion than the first contact portion.