Rigid-Flexible Developer Supplier for Multi-Curvature Pipes

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Solution Overview

Problem

In electrophotographic image forming apparatuses, flexible developers suppliers in supply pipes with multi-curvature structures often twist and malfunction due to increased developer pressure, leading to stalled driving motors and disrupted image formation.

Innovation Solution

A developer supplier with a rigid rotation shaft and a flexible spiral wing, formed by insert injection molding using a rigid core and a flexible core, is designed to maintain stability in multi-curvature supply pipes, where the rigid body extends beyond the pipe's bend start location and the flexible body adapts to the pipe's curvature, ensuring continuous developer supply.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible supplier is used in a multi-curvature supply pipe, then the supplier can adapt to the pipe's curvature, but the supplier twists and malfunctions when developer pressure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to supply pipe curvatureVSAvoidoperational stability under pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The supplier is divided into two distinct segments: a rigid rotation shaft that maintains structural integrity and prevents twisting, and a flexible spiral wing that adapts to the multi-curvature supply pipe. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the supplier have different mechanical properties: the rotation shaft is rigid to maintain rotational stability and prevent twisting under pressure, while the spiral wing is flexible to accommodate the curved path of the supply pipe. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the supplier is made rigid to prevent twisting, then operational stability improves, but the supplier cannot adapt to multi-curvature supply pipes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational stability under pressureVSAvoidadaptability to supply pipe curvature

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The supplier is segmented into a rigid rotation shaft and a flexible spiral wing, allowing the rigid portion to prevent twisting while the flexible portion adapts to the curved supply pipe path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rotation shaft is made rigid to maintain structural integrity and prevent twisting under pressure, while the spiral wing is made flexible to accommodate the multi-curvature supply pipe. This local differentiation allows the supplier to simultaneously achieve operational stability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If the supplier is made flexible to match the supply pipe cross-section, then the supplier can be installed in bent pipes, but the supplier twists and causes motor stalling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installation in bent pipesVSAvoidtwisting and motor stalling

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The supplier is segmented into a rigid rotation shaft that drives the spiral wing, preventing twisting, and a flexible spiral wing that matches the supply pipe's cross-section and curvature for easy installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rotation shaft is made rigid to prevent twisting and avoid motor stalling, while the spiral wing is made flexible to match the supply pipe's irregular cross-section and bent geometry, enabling easy installation without generating harmful twisting forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Adaptability or versatility

If the supplier is made entirely flexible, then the supplier can be installed in supply pipes with irregular cross-sections, but the supplier cannot maintain stable rotation under increased developer pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to irregular cross-sectionVSAvoidstable rotation under pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The supplier is segmented into a rigid rotation shaft that maintains stable rotation under pressure and a flexible spiral wing that adapts to irregular cross-sections and bent supply pipes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rotation shaft is made rigid to maintain stable rotation and prevent twisting under increased developer pressure, while the spiral wing is made flexible to adapt to irregular cross-sections and bent pipe configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20160313675A1Developer supplier operable in developer supply pipe and electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the same

Publication Date: 2016.10.27 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

A developer supplier for delivering a developer in a supply pipe having a multi-curvature structure is provided. The developer supplier includes a rotation shaft including a rigid first rotation shaft. The developer supplier includes a flexible second rotation shaft that has a smaller bending strength than the first rotation shaft, and is connected to the first rotation shaft, and a spiral wing formed around the rotation shaft, and at least a portion of the spiral wing formed around the second rotation shaft is flexible.