Toner Blade Permanent Deflection for Sealing Restoration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Used toner cartridges often experience reduced performance due to permanent deformation of sealing blades, leading to toner leakage and degraded print quality, as the blades lose resiliency over time, necessitating replacement rather than refurbishment.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for refurbishing toner blades by forming a permanent deflection, such as a crease, between the fixed and depending portions of the blade, using a deflecting die and localized pressure to restore the blade's sealing effectiveness, allowing for reuse of the toner cartridges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If sealing blades are used in toner cartridges over time, then the cartridges can be reused, but the sealing blades experience permanent deformation and lose resiliency, leading to toner leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by intentionally modifying the shape parameter of the sealing blade through controlled permanent deflection. Instead of replacing deformed blades, the invention changes the blade's curvature parameter to restore its sealing function, allowing the blade to contact the developer roller at the correct angle and position, thereby maintaining sealing effectiveness throughout extended service life
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements discarding and recovering by restoring the functional properties of used sealing blades through refurbishment. Rather than discarding deformed blades, the process recovers their sealing capability by forming permanent deflections that realign the blade geometry, enabling multiple reuse cycles and reducing waste
2Reliability
If sealing blades are replaced instead of refurbished, then sealing effectiveness is restored, but the complexity and cost of the refurbishment process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the refurbishment action at specific locations on the sealing blade. The permanent deflection is formed at a localized region between the fixed and depending portions, creating a targeted geometric change that restores overall blade function without requiring complete blade replacement or complex global modifications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical refurbishment systems with a simplified mechanical pressing mechanism. Instead of using sophisticated equipment to restore blade geometry, the invention uses controlled application of force through a pressing device that forms permanent deflections, substituting complex systems with a straightforward mechanical approach
3Reliability
If sealing blades are refurbished by forming permanent deflections, then toner leakage is prevented, but the manufacturing precision required for the deflection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing the refurbishment process to automatically achieve the required deflection geometry. The pressing mechanism is configured so that when force is applied to the sealing blade, the blade's own elastic properties and the fixture geometry work together to create the permanent deflection at the correct location and angle, reducing the need for high-precision external control
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 refurbished toner blades maintain or improve performance comparable to new blades, preventing toner leakage and extending the life of the cartridges, thus reducing the need for complete replacement and enhancing print quality.
Implementation Method 1
A permanent deflection is formed between the fixed portion and the depending portion to permanently deflect the depending portion in a second direction opposite the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A refurbished toner blade for a toner cartridge and a method for refurbishing a toner blade for a toner cartridge are provided. The refurbished toner blade includes a fixed portion configured for attachment to a portion of a toner cartridge, a depending portion extending away from the fixed portion, and a permanent deflection that is formed during refurbishment of the toner blade and that extends between the fixed portion and the depending portion. The refurbished toner blade is formed from a used toner blade in which the depending portion has obtained a permanent deformation in a first direction after an initial period of use. The permanent deflection deflects the depending portion in a second direction opposite the first direction.