Moveable Planar Electrode Solid Lubricant Supply System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solid lubricant supply systems in image forming apparatuses often inaccurately detect when the lubricant is about to run out, leading to premature replacement and potential damage to the photoconductor due to insufficient lubrication, as they are designed to detect a near-end stage earlier than the actual depletion point.
Innovation Solution
A novel solid lubricant supply system featuring a first and second moveable planar electrode, where the second electrode moves towards the first as the lubricant is consumed, allowing the detection of a first stage of residual lubricant depletion by electric conduction, enabling continued lubricant supply after detection, thus preventing premature depletion and ensuring adequate lubrication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the residual solid lubricant quantity detecting unit is designed to detect when the lubricant is about to run out, then the photoconductor is protected from damage due to insufficient lubrication, but the lubricant is replaced prematurely causing waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical detecting unit (with fixed electrodes and springs) with a moveable planar electrode system that moves together with the solid lubricant holding unit. This substitution enables continuous monitoring without mechanical interference, allowing detection at the actual terminal stage rather than the near-end stage, thus preventing both premature replacement and late detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a moveable planar electrode that dynamically moves together with the solid lubricant holding unit as the lubricant is consumed. This dynamic configuration allows the electrode to maintain its position relative to the lubricant throughout the consumption process, enabling accurate detection at the actual terminal stage rather than being fixed at an earlier near-end position.
2Device complexity
If the detecting unit uses fixed electrodes, then the structure is simple, but assembly errors make it difficult to detect the actual terminal stage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed electrode structure into a dynamic moveable planar electrode system that moves together with the solid lubricant holding unit. This eliminates assembly errors associated with fixed electrodes because the moveable electrode maintains a constant relative position to the lubricant regardless of assembly variations, thereby achieving accurate terminal stage detection without compromising structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The moveable planar electrode serves multiple functions: it acts as both the detection electrode and a component that moves synchronously with the lubricant holding unit. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate adjustment mechanisms, simplifying the overall structure while improving detection accuracy at the terminal stage.
3Reliability
If the solid lubricant holding unit is inhibited from moving after detection, then the detection is stable, but the lubricant is not consumed further causing premature replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the moveable planar electrode and the solid lubricant holding unit to move together continuously even after the terminal stage is detected. This dynamic configuration allows the detection system to remain stable and functional throughout the entire lubricant consumption process, including the terminal stage, without inhibiting the natural consumption of the remaining lubricant.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains the continuous movement and lubricant supply function even after terminal stage detection. The moveable planar electrode continues to monitor the lubricant quantity accurately while the holding unit continues to move and supply lubricant, ensuring that the useful action of lubrication continues uninterrupted until the lubricant is fully consumed.
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 solution allows for precise detection of the lubricant's depletion stage, minimizing waste and preventing photoconductor damage by ensuring continuous lubrication until a new lubricant is replaced, thereby optimizing the lubricant usage and extending the operational life of the apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
The residual solid lubricant quantity detecting unit detects a first stage, in which the residual solid lubricant quantity is below a given level, by detecting electric conduction between the first moveable planar electrode and the second moveable planar electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A solid lubricant supply system includes a solid lubricant supplier to receive and supply solid lubricant to a solid lubricant supplying target. A pair of first and second moveable planar electrodes is opposed to each other. The second moveable planar electrode is partially moved toward the first moveable planar electrode as the solid lubricant is consumed. A residual solid lubricant quantity detecting unit is provide to detect a quantity of the residual solid lubricant at a first stage, in which the residual solid lubricant quantity is below a given level, by detecting electric conduction between the pair of first and second moveable planar electrodes when the pair of first and second moveable planar electrodes contacts each other. The first moveable planar electrode is enabled to further move together with the second moveable planar electrode when it is contacted and pressed by the second moveable planar electrode.