Reverse Helical Section for Developer Ejection in Developing Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

In existing developing devices, there is a challenge in preventing excess developer from being transported to the support that sustains the second transport member, which can lead to inefficiencies and potential damage.

Innovation Solution

A developing device is designed with a first and second transport path, where a reverse helical section is used to transport the developer to an ejecting mechanism, and an auxiliary helical section is employed to prevent the developer from reaching the support by applying pressure and redirecting it back to the transport path.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a conventional helical section is used to transport developer, then developer circulation is achieved, but excess developer is transported to the support causing inefficiency and potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeveloper circulation efficiencyVSAvoidexcess developer reaching support

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the inversion principle by introducing a reverse helical section that rotates in the opposite direction to the conventional helical section. This reverse rotation creates a counteracting transport effect that prevents excess developer from reaching the support, while the conventional helical section continues to perform the primary developer circulation function. The two helical sections work in opposite rotational directions to achieve both circulation and protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Device complexity

If the second transport member is supported conventionally, then structural simplicity is maintained, but developer can reach the support causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport structure complexityVSAvoidsupport durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The reverse helical section acts as an intermediary element between the conventional helical section and the support structure. It intercepts and redirects excess developer before it can reach the support, thereby protecting the support from damage while maintaining the overall structural simplicity. The reverse helical section serves as a protective mediator without requiring fundamental changes to the support structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If no reverse helical section is provided, then the device structure remains simple, but excess developer is not prevented from reaching the support

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransport path structureVSAvoiddeveloper transport to support

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The transport path is segmented into two distinct functional sections: a conventional helical section for primary developer circulation and a reverse helical section for excess developer prevention. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function independently, with the reverse helical section specifically tasked with preventing developer from reaching the support, while maintaining relatively simple overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 configuration effectively prevents excess developer from reaching the support, ensuring efficient circulation and preventing potential damage, thereby enhancing the operational reliability of the developing device.

Implementation Method 1

a reverse helical section that is disposed in front of a support that supports the second transport member disposed at the lower side in the gravitational direction, the reverse helical section helically extending in a reverse direction relative to a helical section provided for circulating the developer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHelical motion: Helix

Implementation Method 2

an ejecting mechanism that is provided in the first transport path disposed at the upper side in the gravitational direction and that ejects an excess developer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS11681242B2Developing device and image forming apparatus having a reverse helical section

Publication Date: 2023.06.20 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

A developing device includes: a first transport member and a second transport member that are disposed in a first transport path and a second transport path provided at an upper side and a lower side in a gravitational direction and that transport a developer. The developing device also includes an ejecting path that is provided in the first transport path disposed at the upper side in the gravitational direction and that ejects an excess developer. The developing device includes a reverse helical section that is disposed in front of a support that supports the second transport member. The reverse helical section helically extends in a reverse direction relative to a helical section provided for circulating the developer, the developer being transported to the ejecting path by the reverse helical section.