Multi-Photoconductor Image Formation for Contrast Potential Uniformity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming devices struggle to efficiently maintain uniform contrast potential among different colors, leading to potential malfunctions due to differences in contrast potential, which are not detected and addressed in the related art.

Innovation Solution

The device includes a processor that adjusts and monitors contrast potential for each photoconductor, notifying warnings when differences exceed a reference value, and optionally adjusts voltage to maintain uniform toner density across photoconductors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the image forming device adjusts contrast potential for each color to maintain uniform toner density, then image quality uniformity is improved, but the complexity of monitoring and controlling contrast potential differences increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetoner density uniformityVSAvoidcontrast potential monitoring complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback control by detecting toner density and automatically adjusting contrast potential for each color. The processor monitors toner density values and modifies contrast potential settings to maintain uniformity, creating a closed-loop control system that continuously optimizes image quality without requiring complex manual intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The image forming device performs self-diagnosis and self-adjustment by automatically detecting contrast potential differences and correcting them without external intervention. The system monitors its own operational parameters and makes real-time adjustments to maintain optimal performance, reducing the need for service personnel visits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If the device monitors contrast potential differences to detect malfunctions, then reliability is improved, but the complexity of the monitoring system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefailure detection capabilityVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback mechanisms to continuously monitor contrast potential differences and compare them against threshold values. When deviations exceed predetermined limits, the system generates warnings or error messages, enabling reliable failure detection through a relatively simple threshold-based comparison approach rather than complex analysis algorithms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The processor acts as an intermediary that simplifies monitoring by automatically comparing contrast potential values and determining whether differences indicate potential failures. This intermediary function translates complex electrical parameter comparisons into simple pass/fail decisions, maintaining reliability while minimizing system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of repair

If service personnel visit the installation location for maintenance, then maintenance quality is improved, but loss of time for device downtime increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance qualityVSAvoiddevice downtime
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of potential failures by continuously monitoring contrast potential differences and issuing warnings before actual malfunctions occur. This advance notification enables scheduled maintenance during convenient time windows rather than reactive repairs during device downtime, allowing maintenance planning that minimizes operational disruption while maintaining high maintenance quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The image forming device performs self-diagnosis and self-monitoring of its operational parameters, detecting potential issues without external assistance. This self-service capability provides continuous monitoring and early warning of problems, enabling maintenance to be performed proactively based on actual device conditions rather than following fixed schedules that may cause unnecessary downtime

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 enables efficient maintenance by detecting and correcting deviations in contrast potential, preventing malfunctions and ensuring uniform image quality.

Implementation Method 1

an exposure device configured to irradiate a corresponding surface of the plurality of photoconductors with light corresponding to an image formed on a corresponding photoconductor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a developer configured to supply a toner to the corresponding surface of the plurality of photoconductors on which an electrostatic latent image is formed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrophoresis: Electrophoresis

Data Source

PatentEP4180874B1Image forming device
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 TOSHIBA TEC KK
  • EP4180874B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4180874B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4180874B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

To provide an image forming device that can be efficiently maintained. According to one embodiment, the image forming device includes a plurality of photoconductors, an exposure device, a developer, and a processor. The exposure device irradiates a corresponding surface of the plurality of photoconductors with light corresponding to an image formed on a corresponding photoconductor of the plurality of photoconductors. The developer supplies a toner to the corresponding surface of the plurality of photoconductors on which an electrostatic latent image is formed by the light emitted by the exposure device. The processor adjusts, for every photoconductor, a contrast potential for supplying the toner from the developer to the electrostatic latent image formed on the corresponding surface of the plurality of photoconductors, and notifies a warning when there is a contrast potential whose difference from another contrast potential exceeds a reference value.