Powder Transport Apparatus with Variable Force Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing powder transport apparatuses face issues with powder accumulation at connection ports due to uneven transport forces, leading to instability and potential image spots in image forming processes.
Innovation Solution
A powder transport apparatus design featuring a housing with separate transport paths connected by ports, where the transport force of the second transport member facing the first connection port is intentionally reduced compared to its force at the partition wall, preventing powder accumulation by ensuring a balanced flow between the first and second transport paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the transport force of the second transport member is uniform along its length, then the structure is simple, but powder accumulates at the first connection port
Solution Approach 1:
The second transport member features a non-uniform transport force distribution along its length, with the transport force at the second connection port side being greater than at the first connection port side. This local variation in transport force prevents powder accumulation at the first connection port while maintaining reliable powder circulation.
2Reliability
If the transport force at the first connection port side is increased, then powder accumulation is prevented, but powder may be excessively removed from the first transport path
Solution Approach 1:
The transport force of the second transport member is adjusted as a variable parameter along its length, being stronger at the second connection port side and weaker at the first connection port side. This parameter variation optimizes powder circulation by preventing accumulation while maintaining appropriate powder quantity in each transport path.
Data Source
AI summary
A powder transport apparatus includes a housing and first and second transport members. The housing includes first and second transport paths that are separated by a partition wall extending in one direction. The first and second transport paths are connected by first and second connection ports. The first and second connection ports are separated in the one direction with the partition wall interposed therebetween. The first transport member is provided in the first transport path. The first transport member transports powder. The second transport member is provided in the second transport path. The second transport member transports the powder. A transport force of the second transport member at a portion of the second transport member where the second transport member faces the first connection port is smaller than a transport force of the second transport member at a portion where the second transport member faces the partition wall.