Image Forming Apparatus With Independent Solvent Cartridge Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses lack the ability to accommodate and supply solvent independently of the developing cartridge, leading to potential size increases and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus is designed with a solvent cartridge that can be replaced independently of the developing cartridge, featuring separate openings and covers for easy installation and removal, and includes a heater to apply solvent to the toner on sheets, with a pump for solvent supply and circuit boards for electrical connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If solvent is supplied into the main casing, then the solvent can be applied to the transferred toner, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into separate functional modules: a developing cartridge containing toner and a separate solvent cartridge. This segmentation allows the solvent supply system to be independent and compact, avoiding the need for a large integrated solvent reservoir in the main casing.
Solution Approach 2:
The solvent cartridge is positioned to fit within or adjacent to the developing cartridge structure. The solvent supply system is nested within the existing cartridge assembly, utilizing available space efficiently without increasing the overall apparatus footprint.
2Device complexity
If the developing cartridge and solvent cartridge are integrated, then the structure is simplified, but the solvent cartridge cannot be replaced independently
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge system is segmented into distinct developing and solvent cartridges, each with its own replacement mechanism. The solvent cartridge includes a dedicated discharge opening and connection structure that enables independent installation and removal without affecting the developing cartridge.
Solution Approach 2:
The solvent cartridge is designed with universal compatibility features that allow it to function independently while integrating with the main apparatus. The discharge opening and connection interfaces are standardized to enable the solvent cartridge to be replaced separately while maintaining full functionality.
3Volume of stationary object
If the solvent cartridge is positioned close to the developing cartridge, then the apparatus size is minimized, but user exposure to solvent increases during replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The solvent discharge opening is extracted and positioned away from the user's hand placement area. The solvent ejection path is directed toward the sheet rather than toward the user, separating the harmful solvent discharge function from the user interaction zone during cartridge replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The solvent discharge mechanism uses an intermediary delivery system where solvent is ejected through a controlled path toward the sheet. This intermediary delivery method prevents direct exposure to the user while maintaining the compact positioning of the solvent cartridge.
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 configuration allows for easy replacement and supply of solvent without increasing the apparatus size, ensuring efficient operation and minimizing user exposure to solvent during cartridge changes.
Implementation Method 1
The heater heats the sheet on which the solvent has been applied to the toner by the applicator
Implementation Method 2
with a pump for solvent supply
Implementation Method 3
The applicator applies the solvent to the toner that has been transferred to the sheet
Implementation Method 4
The solvent dissolves the toner
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
To provide an image forming apparatus in which a solvent cartridge that can accommodate therein solvent can be replaced independently of a developing cartridge. An image forming apparatus 1 includes: a main casing 2; a photosensitive drum 4; a developing cartridge 7; a transfer unit 8; an applicator 9; and a solvent cartridge 24. The developing cartridge 7 supplies toner onto the photosensitive drum 4. The transfer unit 8 transfers the toner that has been supplied onto the photosensitive drum 4 to a sheet S. The applicator 9 applies solvent to the toner that has been transferred to the sheet S. The solvent cartridge 24 can accommodate therein the solvent. The solvent dissolves the toner. The solvent cartridge 24 is detachably attachable to the main casing 2 independently of the developing cartridge 7. In a state where the developing cartridge 7 and the solvent cartridge 24 is attached to the main casing 2, the solvent cartridge 24 is positioned away from the developing cartridge 7 in a first direction.