Lift Plate Mechanism Prevents Developer Permanent Sets
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing systems for separating developer members from photoconductive members in image forming devices often result in permanent sets due to contact during shipping and storage, leading to unacceptable print quality issues.
Innovation Solution
An elongated lift plate with a positioning member and hold down mechanism that allows for longitudinal movement between two sections of an opening, enabling the developer member to be positioned away from or against the photoconductive member, preventing permanent sets during storage and facilitating proper toner transfer during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the developer member is placed in contact with the photoconductive member during shipping and storage, then the members remain stable and ready for operation, but permanent sets form on the developer member causing unacceptable print quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the developer member from contact with the photoconductive member during storage by using a lift plate mechanism that physically separates the two members. The lift plate is inserted between them to prevent contact, thereby eliminating the harmful compression force that causes permanent sets while maintaining readiness for operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-positioning the lift plate between the developer member and photoconductive member before any harmful contact can occur. This preventive measure counteracts the potential formation of permanent sets by maintaining separation during storage and shipping, while allowing easy removal when operation is needed.
2Reliability
If the developer member is separated from the photoconductive member during storage, then permanent sets are prevented, but the mechanism complexity increases with individual lift mechanisms for each member pair
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual lift mechanisms into a single unified lift plate that can serve multiple developer member-photoconductive member pairs simultaneously. This consolidation reduces the overall number of separate mechanisms needed while maintaining the separation function for each pair, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving print quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The lift plate is designed as a universal component that can be used across multiple imaging units or developer member positions. A single lift plate design can accommodate different configurations and serve multiple functions of separating different member pairs, eliminating the need for unique lift mechanisms for each position and reducing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If foam sheets are used to separate the developer member from the photoconductive member, then permanent sets are prevented, but the separation mechanism lacks precision and control over positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static foam sheet separator to a dynamic lift plate mechanism that can be easily inserted and removed. The lift plate provides controlled positioning through its rigid structure and geometric design, allowing precise placement between the members while maintaining the ability to quickly change positions or remove entirely when needed, offering both precision and operational ease.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application is directed to devices and methods to position a developer member relative to a photoconductive member in an image forming device. One embodiment includes an elongated lift plate positioned in proximity to a photoconductive member. An elongated opening may be positioned within the lift plate. The opening may include a first section and a second section. The first section may be positioned farther from the photoconductive member than the second section. A positioning member may be positioned within the opening, and be operatively connected to the developer member. A hold down may bias the positioning member towards an edge of the opening. The lift plate may be longitudinally movable between a first position with the positioning member in the first section of the opening that positions the developer member away from the photoconductive member, and a second position with the positioning member in the second section that positions the developer member against the photoconductive member.