Powder Conveying Device with Intersecting Paths and Vortex Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing powder conveying systems in image forming apparatuses face challenges in extending the life of removing components due to clogging issues caused by airborne developer particles, which leads to reduced efficiency and maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
A powder conveying device with a multi-directional gas conveying system, including intersecting conveying components and vortex generating components, that reduces airborne developer particles by impacting them on inner walls and generating vortices to collect and filter them effectively, preventing clogging and extending the life of the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple transport paths are connected to a common transport path, then the structure is simplified and powder can be conveyed from multiple sources, but the removing component clogs more quickly due to accumulated powder from all paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the common transport path into multiple separate transport paths, each with its own removing component. This segmentation prevents powder from accumulating in a single removing component, thereby extending its operational life while maintaining the ability to convey powder from multiple sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate transport paths between the multiple sources and the final destination. These intermediate paths act as mediators, distributing powder flow to separate removing components, which prevents clogging and extends component life.
2Device complexity
If a single removing component is used for all transport paths, then the device is simpler, but maintenance frequency increases due to rapid clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single removing component into multiple separate removing components, each handling a specific transport path. This reduces maintenance frequency for each individual component while distributing the overall maintenance load across multiple simpler units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multiple simpler, potentially replaceable removing components rather than one complex, hard-to-maintain component. This approach makes maintenance more economical and frequent replacements easier to manage.
3Quantity of substance
If powder is conveyed through a long common path, then all powder can be collected in one location, but clogging occurs more frequently along the path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the long common transport path into multiple shorter segments, each with its own removing component. This segmentation ensures that powder is removed at multiple points along the path, preventing accumulation and clogging while still collecting all powder at the final destination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary powder removal at intermediate points along the transport path. By removing powder before it travels the entire length of the path, the system prevents clogging while ensuring complete powder collection at the end.
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 system effectively reduces airborne developer particles, preventing clogging and extending the life of the removing components, ensuring continuous operation and reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
a first conveying component through which gas containing powder is to be conveyed
Implementation Method 2
a removing component provided on a downstream side in the fourth gas conveying direction relative to the fourth conveying component, the removing component being configured to remove powder from the gas
Data Source
AI summary
A powder conveying device includes a first conveying component through which gas containing powder is to be conveyed; a second conveying component to which a downstream end of the first conveying component is connected and through which the gas received from the first conveying component is to be conveyed, the second conveying component extending in a second gas conveying direction that intersects a first gas conveying direction defined by the first conveying component; a third conveying component extending from the second conveying component and through which the gas received from the second conveying component is to be conveyed, the third conveying component extending in a third gas conveying direction that intersects the second gas conveying direction; a fourth conveying component to which a downstream end of the third conveying component is connected and through which the gas received from the third conveying component is to be conveyed, the fourth conveying component extending in a fourth gas conveying direction that intersects the third gas conveying direction; and a removing component provided on a downstream side in the fourth gas conveying direction relative to the fourth conveying component, the removing component being configured to remove powder from the gas.