Lubricant Gauge Projection for Reliable Near-End Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lubricant applicators in image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately detecting the near-end stage of solid lubricant levels, leading to potential abrasion and deterioration of image carriers due to insufficient lubrication, as powdered lubricant adherence hinders electrical continuity between electrodes.

Innovation Solution

A lubricant applicator with a lubricant gauge featuring a first and second electrode, where one electrode includes a projection to ensure reliable electrical continuity and prevent lubricant adherence, allowing for accurate detection of the near-end stage by establishing electrical continuity only when the lubricant level is critically low.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a lubricant holder contacts electrode members to detect near-end stage, then detection is possible, but powdered lubricant adheres to contact portions and hinders electrical continuity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelubricant level detection accuracyVSAvoidelectrical continuity reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the harmful function of the lubricant holder contacting the electrode members by removing the lubricant holder from the detection path. Instead, a dedicated gauge member contacts the electrode members to detect lubricant level, separating the lubricant supply function from the detection function and eliminating lubricant interference with electrical continuity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a gauge member as an intermediary between the lubricant holder and the electrode members. This gauge member serves as a mediator that enables detection without direct contact between the lubricant holder and electrodes, preventing lubricant adherence issues while maintaining detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If electrodes are positioned close for reliable detection, then detection sensitivity improves, but lubricant adherence between electrodes increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidlubricant adherence

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the lubricant holder from the electrode contact area, extracting the source of lubricant adherence problems. The gauge member is positioned to contact electrodes without being contaminated by lubricant, enabling close electrode positioning for sensitive detection without lubricant interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Use of energy by moving object

If lubricant is not supplied to image carrier, then power consumption reduces, but image carrier abrades and deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidimage carrier durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention implements a feedback mechanism where the detection circuit continuously monitors lubricant levels through electrical continuity detection. When the lubricant reaches a critical level, the system receives feedback and can take corrective action to replenish lubricant, ensuring continuous protection of the image carrier while optimizing power consumption by only operating when necessary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 ensures reliable detection of the near-end stage of the solid lubricant, preventing damage to the image carrier by ensuring timely lubrication and reducing power consumption, while maintaining the accuracy of lubricant level detection across varying usage conditions.

Implementation Method 1

detect whether an amount of lubricant remaining is less than a threshold value based on establishment of electrical continuity between the first electrode and the second electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical continuity: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

one of the first electrode and the second electrode includes a projection projecting toward the other one of the first electrode and the second electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction reduction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS9052669B2Lubricant applicator, image forming apparatus, and process cartridge

Publication Date: 2015.06.09 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

A lubricant applicator includes a block of lubricant, a supply member contactable against the block of lubricant to scrape the block of lubricant, and a lubricant gauge including a first electrode and a second electrode. The lubricant gauge is electrically connected to the first electrode and the second electrode to detect whether an amount of lubricant remaining is less than a threshold value based on establishment of electrical continuity between the first electrode and the second electrode. One of the first electrode and the second electrode includes a projection projecting toward the other one of the first electrode and the second electrode.