Image Forming Apparatus Dual Developer Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face challenges in transferring images onto mediums with low transfer sensitivity, leading to increased usage of developer and potential transfer failures due to residual discharge products on the intermediate transfer belt.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a dual forming mode for developers, using a larger amount of developer for images not intended to be transferred onto mediums with high sensitivity and adjusting toner band density and frequency based on medium type to improve transfer efficiency and reduce residual discharge products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a larger amount of developer is used to form images not intended to be transferred onto mediums with high transfer sensitivity, then transferability of developer is improved, but developer usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different developer amounts based on the specific medium type being used. When a medium with high transfer sensitivity is detected, a larger amount of developer is supplied to form images not intended to be transferred, which helps remove discharge products and improves subsequent transferability. When a medium with low transfer sensitivity is used, a smaller amount of developer is supplied, reducing waste while maintaining adequate transferability.
2Reliability
If images not intended to be transferred are formed to remove discharge products on the intermediate transfer belt, then transferability is improved, but developer consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically changes the parameter of developer amount based on medium type detection. By detecting whether the medium has high or low transfer sensitivity, the system adjusts the developer supply amount accordingly, forming images not intended to be transferred only when necessary (high sensitivity mediums), thereby removing discharge products effectively while minimizing unnecessary developer consumption.
3Ease of operation
If the same amount of developer is used regardless of medium type, then process simplicity is maintained, but transfer quality deteriorates on high sensitivity papers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment to the developer supply process based on medium type detection. The system automatically detects whether the medium has high or low transfer sensitivity and dynamically adjusts the developer amount, thereby maintaining high transfer quality on sensitive papers while avoiding unnecessary developer usage on less sensitive mediums, all through an automated process that maintains operational simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image holding unit that holds an image that is formed of a developer, the image being intended to be transferred onto a medium, and an image that is not intended to be transferred onto a medium, a transfer unit that transfers the image that is intended to be transferred onto a medium onto a medium, a removing unit that removes the image that is not intended to be transferred onto a medium from the image holding unit, and a forming unit that forms the image that is not intended to be transferred onto a medium onto the image holding unit by using a developer and that has a first forming mode for a first medium and a second forming mode for a second medium that has a transfer sensitivity lower than a transfer sensitivity of the first medium, the forming unit being configured to use a larger amount of the developer in formation of the image that is not intended to be transferred onto a medium in the first forming mode than in the second forming mode.