Solid Lubricant Supply Device with Inclined Spring Biasing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lubricant supply devices for image forming devices face challenges in maintaining a stable lubricant supply over the device's lifespan, leading to potential cleaning failures due to decreased lubricant amount and increased complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A lubricant supply device with a block of solid lubricant, a lubricant supply member, and a spring that applies a biasing force in a direction inclined relative to the lubricant supply member, ensuring the angle between the biasing force and the direction decreases as the lubricant block decreases, thereby increasing the pressing force to maintain consistent lubricant supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a spring pushes the block of solid lubricant against the brush roller, then lubricant is supplied to the photosensitive drum, but the pressing force decreases as the block of solid lubricant decreases, causing lubricant supply to decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the pressing mechanism adjustable through cam rotation. The cam mechanism dynamically changes the pressing force applied by the spring on the block of solid lubricant, allowing the system to adapt the pressing force according to the remaining lubricant block size and operational requirements, thereby maintaining stable lubricant supply throughout the device lifecycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the pressing force parameter through cam rotation. As the cam rotates, it changes the geometric parameters of the pressing mechanism, which in turn adjusts the pressing force applied to the lubricant block. This parameter adjustment compensates for the decreasing lubricant block size, ensuring consistent lubricant supply over time.
2Quantity of substance
If a cam and rotation drive motor are added to increase pressing force, then lubricant supply can be increased, but device complexity and cost greatly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing the cam mechanism to serve multiple functions: it not only adjusts the pressing force but also provides a simple mechanical means to vary the lubricant supply rate. This multi-functional design avoids the need for separate complex control systems, motors, and sensors, thereby reducing overall device complexity while achieving the goal of increased and controllable lubricant supply.
3Quantity of substance
If a cam and rotation drive motor are added to increase pressing force, then lubricant supply can be increased, but manufacturing cost greatly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the cheap short-living objects principle by using a simple cam mechanism that can be easily manufactured and replaced. Rather than investing in expensive, complex electronic control systems with motors and sensors, the invention uses a straightforward mechanical cam that achieves the same functional outcome at a fraction of the cost, making the system more economically viable for manufacturing.
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 stabilizes lubricant supply over the device's lifespan, preventing cleaning failures and maintaining performance without significant cost increases by ensuring a consistent pressing force as the lubricant block diminishes.
Implementation Method 1
a spring that applies a biasing force to the block of solid lubricant
Implementation Method 2
a spring that applies a biasing force to the block of solid lubricant in a second direction inclined with respect to a first direction from the block of solid lubricant towards the lubricant supply member
Implementation Method 3
the lubricant supply member scraping lubricant from the block of solid lubricant
Data Source
AI summary
A lubricant supply device for supplying lubricant to an image carrier of an image forming device, the lubricant supply device including: a block of solid lubricant; a lubricant supply member scraping lubricant from the block and supplying the lubricant to the image carrier; and a spring applying a biasing force to the block in a second direction inclined with respect to a first direction from the block towards the lubricant supply member, a component of the biasing force in the first direction pushing the block against the lubricant supply member. Positions of the spring and the block relative to each other are such that, as the block decreases due to the scraping by the lubricant supply member, the angle between the biasing force and the first direction decreases and the component of the biasing force in the first direction increases.