Toner Concentration Sensor Fixing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing development devices fail to securely fix toner concentration detectors to the developer tank, leading to loose fixation and inaccurate toner concentration detection due to insufficient pressing mechanisms like snap-fit or double-faced tape.
Innovation Solution
A cover member with a pressing section is attached to the developer tank to securely press the toner concentration sensor against the tank's surface, maintaining a consistent distance and improving fixation accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If snap-fit or double-faced tape is used to fix the toner concentration detector to the developer tank, then the detector can be attached to the tank, but the fixation becomes loose and detection accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing section is designed to apply pressing force to the toner concentration detector from the beginning of operation, preventing loose fixation before it occurs. This preliminary action maintains consistent contact between the detector and tank surface throughout operation, ensuring accurate detection from the start.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing section changes the physical state of the detector-tank interface by applying continuous pressing force, transforming the loose fixation state into a tightly contacted state. This parameter change (applying force) ensures the detector maintains optimal contact with the tank surface for accurate toner concentration detection.
2Device complexity
If snap-fit or double-faced tape is used to fix the toner concentration detector, then attachment is simple, but the detector is not sufficiently pressed and fixation becomes loose
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into two functional parts: a simple attachment mechanism (snap-fit or double-faced tape) for initial mounting, and a pressing section for maintaining reliable fixation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without increasing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing section acts as an intermediary element between the attachment mechanism and the toner concentration detector. It receives the attached detector and applies continuous pressing force to ensure reliable fixation, mediating between the simple attachment and the detection function.
3Ease of operation
If the toner concentration detector is not sufficiently pressed against the tank surface, then attachment is easier, but detection accuracy of toner concentration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing section applies pressing force to the detector as a preliminary and continuous action, ensuring optimal contact with the tank surface before and during detection operations. This preliminary pressing action prevents detection inaccuracies that would result from insufficient contact.
Data Source
AI summary
A development device includes a developer housing, a toner concentration detection sensor, and a cover member. The developer housing stores a developer containing toner and a carrier. The toner concentration detection sensor is attached to a lower surface of the developer housing and is configured to detect a toner concentration of the developer stored in the developer housing. The cover member is attached to the lower surface of the developer housing to cover the toner concentration detection sensor. The cover member includes a pressing section for pressing a part of the toner concentration detection sensor against the lower surface of the developer housing.