Elastic Sheet and Absorption Member for Water Droplet Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face issues with water droplet adhesion to conveyance units, leading to sheet jams and toner image quality degradation, especially in high humidity environments, due to variations in water absorbency and deformation of water absorption members.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a removal unit comprising an elastic sheet member and a thicker absorption member, where the absorption member is positioned opposite to the rotator to absorb water droplets removed by the sheet member, maintaining consistent water absorbency and preventing sheet jams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a water absorption member directly contacts a rotator to remove water droplets, then water droplet removal effectiveness is improved, but the water absorption member degrades quickly and water absorbency is not maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The water absorption member is divided into multiple independent pressuring members that can be individually replaced. Each pressuring member is a separate component that contacts the rotator surface, allowing localized wear to affect only one segment rather than the entire absorption member. This segmentation enables selective replacement of worn segments while maintaining functionality of other segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressuring members are designed as disposable or easily replaceable components made from cost-effective materials. When a pressuring member wears out or loses its water absorption capability, it can be quickly replaced without replacing the entire water absorption member assembly. This approach prioritizes operational reliability over long-term durability of individual components.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a water absorption member directly contacts a rotating roller, then water droplet removal is effective, but the absorption member deforms due to roller movement and thickness variations
Solution Approach 1:
The pressuring members are designed with varying thicknesses to compensate for roller surface irregularities and thickness variations in the material being processed. By adjusting the thickness parameter of individual pressuring members, the system maintains consistent contact pressure and water absorption performance despite variations in the roller geometry or material thickness passing through the system.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a soft water absorption member is scraped against a rotator, then water droplets are removed, but the member is easily worn and water absorbency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The water absorption member is segmented into multiple replaceable pressuring members. When one segment becomes worn or loses its water absorption capability, only that specific segment needs to be replaced rather than the entire member. This extends the overall operational duration of the water absorption system by allowing incremental replacement of worn segments.
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 reduces water droplet adhesion to conveyance units, stabilizes water absorbency, and enhances durability, preventing sheet jams and maintaining toner image quality by using a separate sheet and absorption member configuration.
Implementation Method 1
an absorption member that is thicker than the sheet member and arranged opposite to the rotator via the sheet member to absorb the water droplet, the absorption member absorbing the water droplet removed by the sheet member from the rotator
Data Source
AI summary
In an image forming apparatus, a removal unit includes a sheet member that has elasticity and contacts a rotator, and an absorption member that is thicker than the sheet member and arranged opposite to the rotator via the sheet member to absorb a water droplet, and the absorption member absorbs the water droplet removed by the sheet member from the rotator.