Layer Thickness Regulating Blade With Dual Elastic Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
In laser printers, the toner tends to leak from the end parts of the developing roller due to insufficient scraping by the layer thickness regulating blade, especially after prolonged use, as the silicone rubber parts wear down unevenly.
Innovation Solution
The layer thickness regulating blade is designed with a center portion made of a first elastic material and end portions made of a second elastic material, differing in abrasion resistance and toner electrifying ability, to ensure effective toner scraping and prevent leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pressing part is formed entirely of silicone rubber to ensure good toner electrifying performance, then the toner electrifying ability is improved, but the end portions wear down quickly due to sliding friction with the developing roller
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing part is designed with non-uniform material properties: the center portion uses silicone rubber for excellent toner electrifying performance, while the end portions use a different elastic material with higher abrasion resistance. This local differentiation allows each region to optimize for its specific function while extending overall service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing part is constructed as a composite structure combining two different elastic materials. The center portion employs silicone rubber for superior electrifying properties, while the end portions incorporate an elastic material with enhanced wear resistance, creating a composite component that balances multiple performance requirements.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the end portions of the pressing part are shaped to scrape off more toner, then the toner leakage is prevented, but the end portions wear down to a larger extent
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing part is designed with non-uniform material properties: the center portion uses silicone rubber for excellent toner electrifying performance, while the end portions use a different elastic material with higher abrasion resistance. This local differentiation allows each region to optimize for its specific function while extending overall service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The material parameters of the pressing part are varied across different regions. The end portions utilize an elastic material with higher abrasion resistance compared to the center portion, allowing the end portions to maintain their aggressive scraping geometry for preventing toner leakage without suffering excessive wear.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single material is used for the entire pressing part, then the manufacturing is simplified, but the wear resistance at end portions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing part is designed with non-uniform material properties: the center portion uses silicone rubber for excellent toner electrifying performance, while the end portions use a different elastic material with higher abrasion resistance. This local differentiation allows each region to optimize for its specific function while extending overall service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing part is constructed as a composite structure combining two different elastic materials. The center portion employs silicone rubber for superior electrifying properties, while the end portions incorporate an elastic material with enhanced wear resistance, creating a composite component that balances multiple performance requirements.
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 design maintains efficient toner scraping and prevents leakage from the developing roller ends, even after long-term use, by reducing wear on the end portions and maintaining high toner electrifying performance.
Implementation Method 1
the silicone rubber will be worn by sliding friction with the developing roller
Implementation Method 2
both the end portions of the pressing part are formed in such a shape that a larger amount of the toner can be scraped off the end portions than the center portion, and will be worn to a larger extent
Implementation Method 3
a layer thickness regulating member that extends in an axial direction of the developer carrying member and is provided with a pressing part that is in pressure contact with a surface of the developer carrying member
Data Source
AI summary
A developing device including: a developer carrying member that is rotatably supported and carries a developer; and a layer thickness regulating member that extends in an axial direction of the developer carrying member and is provided with a pressing part that is in pressure contact with a surface of the developer carrying member to form a thin layer of the developer on the surface of the developer carrying member. The pressing part includes a center portion and two end portions. The center portion of the pressing part is formed of a first elastic material. The end portions of the pressing part are formed of a second elastic material that is different from the first elastic material.