Image Formation Unit Non-Parallel Bias Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The pressing of the developer carrier against the image carrier in existing image formation units is unstable due to differences in the mechanisms supporting the developer carrier unit at both ends of the image formation unit.
Innovation Solution
The image formation unit incorporates non-parallel bias members at both ends to stabilize the pressing of the developer carrier against the image carrier, with one bias member's direction parallel to the guide surface and the other inclined, ensuring consistent contact despite differing support mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If parallel bias members are used at both ends of the image formation unit, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the pressing of the developer carrier against the image carrier becomes unstable when support mechanisms differ
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by configuring the bias members with different orientations - one bias member is parallel to the guide surface while the other is inclined relative to it. This asymmetric configuration compensates for differences in the support mechanisms at each end, ensuring stable pressing of the developer carrier against the image carrier even when the support structures differ.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different support mechanisms are used at both ends, then adaptability to different configurations is improved, but pressing stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by tailoring the bias member configuration to each specific end's support mechanism. One bias member is configured parallel to the guide surface while the other is inclined, allowing each end to be optimized for its specific support structure while collectively achieving stable pressing across the entire image formation unit.
Data Source
AI summary
An image formation unit according to an embodiment may include: an image carrier unit in which an image carrier is supported; a developer carrier unit in which a developer carrier is supported; a first bias member provided at one end side in a longitudinal direction of the image formation unit and configured to bias the developer carrier unit toward the image carrier unit; a second bias member provided at the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the image formation unit and configured to bias the developer carrier unit toward the image carrier unit. A first bias direction of biasing the developer carrier unit toward the image carrier unit by the first bias member and a second bias direction of biasing the developer carrier unit toward the image carrier unit by the second bias member are not parallel to each other.