Pivoting Cleaning Blade Spring Bias Transfer Belt
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional belt cleaning apparatuses in image forming systems often damage or bend the cleaning blade due to the use of a cam that applies a large force for contact and separation, leading to the need for frequent replacement or repair.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning apparatus with a blade arm that pivots at two hinge points and includes a pressure unit with a spring to bias the cleaning blade against the transfer medium, allowing controlled contact and separation through two stations to prevent damage and bending.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a cam is used to enable the cleaning blade to contact or separate from the belt by applying a relatively large force, then the cleaning blade can effectively remove toner, but the cleaning blade may be damaged or bent
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning blade is made movable relative to the blade bracket, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position and contact force. The blade can pivot between contact and non-contact positions, and the contact force is controlled by a spring mechanism rather than fixed cam pressure, enabling adaptive cleaning that prevents damage while maintaining effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The contact force parameter is changed from a fixed large force (cam-driven) to a controllable variable force (spring-driven). The spring mechanism allows the contact force to be adjusted and optimized, providing sufficient force for toner removal while preventing excessive force that would damage the blade
2Productivity
If the cleaning blade is brought in contact with the transfer medium through a cam mechanism, then toner can be removed, but the blade bracket must move between multiple positions increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning mechanism is segmented into independent functional components: the blade bracket provides positioning, the cleaning blade performs cleaning, and the spring provides force control. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall mechanism by eliminating the need for complex cam-driven position changes
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
The solution enhances the durability of the cleaning blade, reduces the risk of damage and bending, and improves cleaning efficiency, enabling miniaturization of the blade design while maintaining effective toner removal.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure unit to bias the cleaning blade towards the transfer medium
Data Source
AI summary
A transfer unit of an image forming apparatus includes a belt to receive an image developed on a photosensitive medium while rotating in a regular cycle and in contact with an outer circumference of at least one photosensitive medium. A blade arm, which is installed adjacent to the belt, moves to a first position to position a cleaning blade, which is supported by the blade arm, to be in contact with the belt. The cleaning blade is coupled to a pressure unit to bias the cleaning blade towards the belt.