Elastomeric Seal for Developing Apparatus Frame Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrophotographic image forming apparatuses face challenges in maintaining a sealed joint between the developer storage frame and the developer bearing member while controlling the force applied, leading to potential toner leakage and excessive pressure on the photosensitive drum.
Innovation Solution
A developing apparatus is designed with an elastomer connection between the developer storage frame and the developer bearing member, allowing for movement and sealing while minimizing the force required, using a sheet-like elastic member and an urging member to maintain the seal effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a foamed polyurethane seal is used to seal the joint between the developing means frame and toner storage frame, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but the compression force required becomes excessively large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the foamed polyurethane seal with an elastomeric seal that has flexible properties. The elastomeric seal can deform and conform to the joint surfaces, providing effective sealing with minimal compression force. This flexible membrane approach allows the seal to adapt to surface irregularities without requiring excessive compressive force, thereby resolving the contradiction between sealing effectiveness and force requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters of the seal from foamed polyurethane to elastomeric material with different mechanical properties. The elastomeric material has higher elasticity and lower compression requirements, changing the physical parameters of the sealing component to reduce the compression force needed while maintaining or improving sealing effectiveness.
2Reliability
If excessive compression force is applied to the seal, then sealing is improved, but the force applied to the photosensitive drum becomes unnecessarily large
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric seal acts as a flexible membrane that can achieve effective sealing with minimal compression force. This flexibility allows the seal to conform to the joint surfaces without requiring excessive force, thereby preventing the transmission of harmful excessive forces to the photosensitive drum while maintaining reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric seal serves as an intermediary element between the developing means frame and toner storage frame. It mediates the sealing function while isolating the photosensitive drum from excessive compression forces. The elastomeric material absorbs and distributes forces, preventing direct transmission of excessive force to the photosensitive drum.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the developing means frame is rigidly fixed to the toner storage frame, then structural stability is improved, but movement capability and sealing flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric seal provides a flexible connection between the developing means frame and toner storage frame. This flexible membrane allows relative movement and adjustment while maintaining structural integrity and sealing effectiveness. The elastomeric material's elasticity enables the joint to accommodate movement and positioning variations without compromising stability or sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a rigid fixed connection to a dynamic flexible connection using an elastomeric seal. This dynamic joint allows the developing means frame to move relative to the toner storage frame while maintaining sealing and structural stability. The elastomeric material's ability to deform and recover enables adaptive movement capability while preserving overall structural integrity.
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
This solution ensures a satisfactory seal between the frames, reducing toner leakage and the force applied to the photosensitive drum, thereby extending the life of components and improving image quality by minimizing friction and heat generation.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomer for connecting said first connecting portion and said second connecting portion with each other with said first opening and said second opening being opposed to each other so as to permit movement of said first frame and said second frame
Data Source
AI summary
A developing apparatus usable with an electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, includes a developer carrying member for developing a latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member with a developer; a first frame for accommodating the developer, the first frame including a first opening for supplying the developer and a first connecting portion provided around first opening; a second frame containing the developer carrying member, a second opening for receiving supply of the developer from the first opening and a second connecting portion provided around the second opening; an elastomer for connecting the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion with each other with the first opening and the second opening being opposed to each other so as to permit movement of the first frame and the second frame and so as to prevent the developer from leaking between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion.