Swingable Fin Developer Collection Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing developer collection devices in image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently collecting developers from the surface of belts, leading to uneven accumulation and potential overflow, which affects the smooth operation and longevity of the printing process.
Innovation Solution
A developer collection device with a container, frame, and fins that are swingably attached, allowing the fins to adjust their position and angle to evenly distribute and collect the developer, preventing accumulation near the opening and ensuring smooth operation by moderating the height of the developer inside the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional developer collection device is used, then the structure is simple, but the developer accumulates unevenly and may overflow
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is designed to swingably rotate about a rotation axis, allowing the fin to dynamically adjust its position and angle based on developer accumulation. This dynamic mechanism enables the fin to automatically moderate developer height and prevent overflow, resolving the contradiction between collection efficiency and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The collection device is divided into functional components: a container for holding developer, a swingable frame for active management, and a fin for distributing developer. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, improving overall reliability while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
2Reliability
If the fin is fixed in position, then the structure is simple, but the developer height cannot be moderated, leading to uneven accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The frame's swingable rotation capability allows the fin to move between different positions and angles, enabling it to actively moderate developer height and distribute developer uniformly. This dynamic adjustment mechanism directly addresses the need for uniform distribution while accepting necessary structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The swingable frame can automatically adjust its position in response to developer accumulation patterns, allowing the system to self-regulate developer distribution without external control. This self-service capability improves uniformity while minimizing the need for complex control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A developer collection device includes a container, a frame, a first fin, and a second fin. The container has an opening, and contains a developer introduced into the container from the opening. The frame extends in a first axis direction, and is attached, to the container, swingably relative to the container in the first axis direction. The first and second fins are provided in the container, and are attached to first and second base points of the frame, respectively. The first and second fins extend in third and fourth directions from the first and second base points, respectively. The third and fourth directions are directions inclining downward and thereby forming angles that are smaller than ninety degrees relative to first and second directions, respectively. The first direction extends along the first axis direction. The second direction is a direction opposite to the first direction.