Pneumatic Toner Transfer via Fluidization and Reciprocating Pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for transferring powder toner in electrophotography face issues such as mechanical stress leading to additive loss, pressurization requirements, plugging, and inefficient filling accuracy and time, particularly with smaller particle diameters, which affect image quality and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that fluidizes powder toner with gas, using a reciprocating-motion pump for suction and transfer, with pulsating flow buffering to minimize stress and pressurization, allowing for high-density filling in flexible containers without clogging, and enabling on-demand use with various power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an auger-type powder filling apparatus is used, then mass production capability is improved, but the apparatus applies strong stress to the toner causing external additive to fall off from the toner particle surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical auger-type conveying system with a pneumatic fluidization system. Gas is introduced to fluidize the powder toner, allowing it to be conveyed and filled without mechanical contact that would cause stress and additive loss. The fluidized bed enables gentle handling while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic pressure to fluidize and convey the powder toner. By introducing gas into the powder repository, the toner particles are suspended and moved through the filling nozzle without mechanical stress, preventing external additive detachment while achieving efficient mass production filling.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a bellows pump is used for transfer, then liquid transfer is possible, but powder toner gets plugged in the bellows and cannot be transferred
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the bellows pump mechanical system with a pneumatic fluidization system. Gas pressure is used to convey the powder toner through pipes and delivery systems, eliminating the plugging problem that occurs with bellows pumps while maintaining the ability to transfer materials efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and flow parameters of the powder toner by fluidizing it with gas. This transforms the powder from a static or mechanically conveyed state to a fluidized state that flows smoothly through the delivery system without plugging, enabling reliable powder transfer.
3Force
If pressurization is applied to transfer powder, then transfer force is improved, but the container must be sealed and pressurized resulting in time lag and inability to make additional charges
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses controlled pneumatic pressure applied locally at the fluidization point rather than system-wide pressurization. This provides sufficient transfer force to move the powder while keeping the container open and accessible, eliminating the need for complex sealing systems and allowing continuous operation without time lags.
4Measurement precision
If higher filling accuracy is required, then filling precision is improved, but filling time increases reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic fluidization system enables precise control of powder flow rate and filling quantity through gas pressure regulation. The fluidized state allows the powder to be delivered smoothly and accurately to the container, achieving high filling precision without slowing down the filling process, thus maintaining high productivity.
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 reduces toner stress, prevents scattering, and achieves high filling accuracy and efficiency, making the apparatus portable and energy-efficient, with reduced size and weight, and allows for precise control of filling amounts.
Implementation Method 1
fluidizes a powder toner in a powder repository with a gas supplied from a gas supply unit
Implementation Method 2
sucks the fluidized powder toner with a suction unit and transfers the powder toner by discharging the toner in a powder toner filling container
Data Source
AI summary
A powder toner transferring method that fluidizes a powder toner with a gas supplied from an air supply, sucks the fluidized powder toner with a suction, and transfers the powder toner by discharging the powder toner in a toner storage container. The suction of the powder toner is performed with a reciprocating-motion pump. A powder toner filling method includes the powder toner transferring process.