Swingable Developing Device Vibration Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing developing devices with multiple developer carrying members experience vibration issues due to unstable opposing gaps between the developer carrying members and the image bearing member, leading to improper development, increased toner scattering, and reduced development efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A developing device with a swingable member that supports a second developer carrying member about a first developer carrying member, incorporating urging and buffering means to dampen vibrations and maintain a stable opposing gap, using a viscoelastic material like an O ring to press-contact the swingable member and the first developer carrying member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the opposing gap between the second developer carrying member and the image bearing member is increased, then the vibration of the swingable member is reduced, but the electric field relating to the development is weakened and development efficiency is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a swingable member that can dynamically adjust its position to maintain optimal opposing gap between the second developer carrying member and the image bearing member. The swingable member rotates about an axis and includes buffering means (elastic member) that allows dynamic compensation for variations in gap distance, enabling the system to adapt to different operating conditions while maintaining stable development efficiency.
2Productivity
If the opposing gap between the second developer carrying member and the image bearing member is decreased, then the development efficiency is improved, but the degree of occurrence of electric discharge is increased which impairs the lifetime of the photosensitive drum
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates buffering means in the form of an elastic member disposed between the swingable member and the first developer carrying member. This elastic member acts as a cushioning element that prevents excessive contact force and electric discharge between the second developer carrying member and the image bearing member, thereby protecting the photosensitive drum while maintaining effective development gap.
3Manufacturing precision
If the swingable member is made more responsive to vertical motion of the photosensitive drum surface, then the opposing gap can be maintained, but the abutting rollers jump up and the opposing gap becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the swingable member by incorporating an elastic member with specific material properties (viscoelastic material). This modification allows the member to respond to vertical motion of the photosensitive drum surface in a controlled manner, absorbing shocks and preventing jumping while maintaining precise opposing gap through the elastic deformation of the buffering means.
4Manufacturing precision
If the swingable member is made rigid to maintain stable opposing gap, then the tracing performance is improved, but the vibration of the swingable member increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure for the swingable member, combining rigid components (for maintaining stable opposing gap and tracing performance) with elastic buffering means made of viscoelastic material (for damping vibration). This composite approach allows the system to simultaneously achieve precise gap control and vibration suppression by integrating materials with complementary properties.
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 effectively suppresses vibrations, stabilizes the opposing gap, enhances tracing performance, and improves development quality by reducing improper development and toner scattering, ensuring consistent image density and extended lifespan of the photosensitive drum.
Implementation Method 1
buffering means, provided so as to press-contact the swingable member, for damping vibration of the swingable member
Data Source
AI summary
A developing device includes a first developer carrying member for forming a toner image on an image bearing member; a second developer carrying member for forming the toner image on the image bearing member; a supporting member for rotatably supporting the first developer carrying member; a swingable member for swinging the second developer carrying member about the first developer carrying member; an urging portion for urging the second developer carrying member toward the image bearing member; and a buffering portion, provided so as to press-contact the swingable member, for damping vibration of the swingable member.