Helical Toner Transport Channel Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses face inefficiencies in reusing developer toner, as the collection and replenishment processes can lead to clogging and uneven toner distribution, affecting print quality and operational efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The image forming apparatus incorporates a helical transport member and a dual-channel system that efficiently collects and reuses toner by using a collection device to transport toner back to the developing device, while also supplying new toner from a toner cartridge, ensuring continuous operation and minimizing clogging through a merging channel structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If developer is collected from the image holding body and returned to the developing device, then toner reuse is improved, but clogging occurs in the transport channel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetoner reuse efficiencyVSAvoidclogging

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The transport channel is divided into two separate sub-channels: a first sub-channel for collected developer and a second sub-channel for new developer. This segmentation allows each type of developer to be transported independently, preventing mixing and clogging while maintaining efficient toner reuse.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A merging channel is introduced as an intermediary component that receives developer from both sub-channels and facilitates their combined flow to the developing device. This intermediary structure manages the convergence of different developer streams, preventing clogging at the merge point.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If collected developer and new developer are transported through the same channel, then device complexity is reduced, but uneven toner distribution occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel structureVSAvoidtoner distribution uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The transport system is segmented into separate sub-channels for collected and new developer, ensuring each type maintains its own transport path. This prevents uneven distribution caused by mixing while keeping the overall device structure manageable through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the transport system are designed with different characteristics: the first sub-channel is optimized for collected developer transport, while the second sub-channel is optimized for new developer supply. This local optimization ensures uniform toner distribution at the developing device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If a single transport channel is used for both collected and new developer, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity decreases due to clogging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetoner supply operationVSAvoidprinting efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The dual sub-channel structure maintains ease of operation by providing automated, separate transport paths for different developer types, eliminating the need for manual intervention. Meanwhile, productivity is enhanced by preventing clogging through this segmentation, ensuring continuous efficient printing operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The separate sub-channels enable continuous transport of both collected and new developer without interruption from clogging. This continuous flow maintains high printing productivity while keeping the system easy to operate through automated processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 enhances the reuse of toner, reducing clogging and ensuring consistent toner supply, thereby improving print quality and operational efficiency by maintaining a balanced toner distribution within the developing device.

Implementation Method 1

The transport member includes a shaft and a transport blade supported by the shaft so that the transport blade has a helical shape

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHelical transport mechanism: Archimedes Screw

Data Source

PatentUS9482991B2Image forming apparatus for transporting collected toner and new toner with reduced clogging

Publication Date: 2016.11.01 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes an image holding body, a developing device, a transfer device, a collection device, a container, and a transport member. The image holding body includes a surface on which a latent image is formed. The developing device develops the latent image into a visual image with developer. The transfer device transfers the visual image onto a transfer medium. The collection device collects the developer remaining on the surface of the image holding body after the visual image has been transferred. The container contains new developer supplied to the developing device. The image forming apparatus has a channel that has a first sub-channel and a second sub-channel. The developer flows into the first sub-channel from one of the collection device and the container and the second sub-channel from the other of the collection device and the container.