Single-Wire Cleaning Member for Developer Detection Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing cleaning members in developing devices are inadequate in clearing developer stagnation in front of the detecting surface of the developer amount detecting part, leading to inaccurate measurements and increased production costs when additional components are added.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning member with an attachment part, a first cleaning part that extends to reach the detecting surface, and a second cleaning part that is bent to protrude beyond the detecting surface, formed from a single wire, effectively clears developer stagnation over a larger detection range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cleaning member is merely bent with respect to the detecting surface, then the structure remains simple, but the developer stagnating at the location apart forwardly from the detecting surface is not sufficiently cleared
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning member is divided into two functional segments: a first cleaning part that contacts the detecting surface and a second cleaning part that protrudes forward to clear developer before it reaches the detection zone. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific cleaning function effectively without requiring complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning member extends in two dimensional directions: one dimension contacts the detecting surface while another dimension protrudes forward beyond the detecting surface. This multi-dimensional configuration enables comprehensive cleaning coverage both on and before the detection area, solving the problem of developer stagnation.
2Reliability
If another component part is added to the cleaning member to clear the developer remaining in front of the detecting surface, then the cleaning coverage is improved, but the number of man-hours for production and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The first cleaning part and second cleaning part are merged into a single integrated cleaning member structure. This unified design performs multiple cleaning functions (clearing developer on the detecting surface and clearing developer in front of it) without requiring separate components, thereby simplifying production and reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning member is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a surface cleaner (first cleaning part) and a preventive cleaner (second cleaning part). This universal design eliminates the need for multiple separate components, reducing production complexity while ensuring accurate developer amount detection.
3Measurement precision
If the detection range reaches a location in front of the detecting surface, then the detection coverage is extended, but the developer amount detecting part falsely detects developer remaining in front of the detecting surface
Solution Approach 1:
The second cleaning part performs preliminary cleaning action by protruding forward beyond the detecting surface to clear developer before it can reach and contaminate the detection zone. This preliminary action prevents false detection by ensuring the detection surface remains free of stagnant developer, allowing accurate measurement of actual developer levels.
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 ensures accurate developer amount detection by clearing developer stagnation both on and in front of the detecting surface, reducing production costs and man-hours through a simplified design.
Implementation Method 1
a first cleaning part constructed of an end of a first coil spring part that extends in a substantially perpendicular direction to the rotation shaft
Implementation Method 2
a cleaning part that is connected to the elastic part and that slidingly contacts the detecting surface as the agitating member rotates
Data Source
AI summary
A developing device includes an agitating member agitating and rotating a developer, a developer amount detecting part detecting the developer amount, and a cleaning member being attached to the agitating member to have has an attachment part, a first cleaning part and a second cleaning part and to clean a detecting surface of the developer amount detecting part. The attachment part is formed by an end part of a wire and attached to the agitating member. The first cleaning part is formed by an intermediate part of the wire, and extends from an end part of the attachment part to reach the detecting surface. The second cleaning part is formed by an another end part of the wire, and is constructed by closely winding the wire, protruded to a location in front of the detecting surface and has a greater width than the detecting surface.