Mechanical Impact Scraping Device for Image Formers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing scraping devices for removing foreign matter from contact parts in image forming apparatuses require a dedicated special power supply for applying a voltage, making them expensive.

Innovation Solution

A scraping device comprising a scraping part that contacts a rotating contact part, a rotation part that rotates, and an applying part attached to the rotation part that strikes the scraping part to apply an impact, thereby removing foreign matter without the need for a voltage application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a voltage is applied to the scraping part to vibrate it and remove foreign matter, then the foreign matter removal effectiveness is improved, but the device cost increases due to requiring a dedicated special power supply

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforeign matter removal effectivenessVSAvoiddevice cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electrical vibration system (voltage application) with a mechanical impact system. The applying part strikes the scraping part mechanically to generate vibration, eliminating the need for a dedicated power supply while achieving the same foreign matter removal effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The applying part serves as an intermediary that transfers mechanical energy from the rotation part to the scraping part. This intermediary mechanism enables vibration generation without direct electrical connection, simplifying the overall system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a voltage applying system is used to vibrate the scraping part, then the cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity and component count increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidcomponent count

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the vibration generation function into the existing rotation mechanism. The applying part attached to the rotation part utilizes the rotational motion to strike the scraping part, combining two functions into one integrated system rather than adding separate electrical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotation part simultaneously performs its primary function of rotating the contact part and serves as the driving mechanism for the applying part that vibrates the scraping part. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate power supply components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If mechanical impact is applied to the scraping part instead of voltage, then the device cost is reduced, but the effectiveness to remove foreign matter may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice costVSAvoidforeign matter removal effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs mechanical vibration generated by periodic impacts from the applying part. The repeated striking creates vibrational motion in the scraping part that effectively loosens and removes foreign matter, achieving the same physical effect as electrical vibration but through mechanical means.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The rotation of the rotation part creates periodic contact between the applying part and the scraping part, generating rhythmic vibrations. This periodic mechanical action is sufficient to remove foreign matter effectively without requiring continuous electrical power application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 effective removal of foreign matter at a lower cost compared to devices that rely on voltage application, while also reducing the component count and preventing toner transport failure.

Implementation Method 1

an applying part that is attached to the rotation part, rotates with the rotation part, and strikes the scraping part to apply an impact to the scraping part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact force: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentUS12306559B2Scraping device and image forming apparatus including an applying part to apply an impact to a scraping part

Publication Date: 2025.05.20 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

A scraping device includes: a scraping part that comes into contact with a rotating contact part to scrape off attached matter attached to the contact part; a rotation part that rotates; and an applying part that is attached to the rotation part, rotates with the rotation part, and strikes the scraping part to apply an impact to the scraping part.