Toner Transport Structure with Variable Cross-Sectional Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toner transport systems face challenges in maintaining efficient toner transport performance, especially when the transport direction is changed, leading to agglomeration due to decreased particle size and increased contact points, which degrades transport efficiency and requires more maintenance time.
Innovation Solution
A toner transport structure with a path member that guides toner downward in a vertical direction, featuring an exit opening larger than the entrance opening, and a transport auger that changes the transport direction while reducing the amount of toner entering the outlet path, thereby suppressing agglomeration and maintaining efficient transport performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the transport direction is changed to deliver toner from the toner cartridge to the developing device, then the toner can be supplied to the required location, but the toner particles aggregate due to increased contact points
Solution Approach 1:
The path member features a variable cross-sectional area along its length, with the entrance having a larger area than the exit. This local variation in geometry creates a controlled expansion and contraction effect that reduces toner particle contact and aggregation during transport through the passage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the transport passage by varying the cross-sectional area from entrance to exit. This parameter change optimizes the flow characteristics of toner particles, reducing aggregation while maintaining transport efficiency through the direction change.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the path member opening area at the exit is made larger than at the entrance, then toner agglomeration is suppressed, but the transport passage geometry becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of expanding the passage throughout and constricting at the end, the patent inverts the conventional approach by having a larger entrance area that gradually reduces to a smaller exit area. This inverted geometry effectively suppresses toner aggregation while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
3Reliability
If a transport member is added to change the transport direction, then toner can be delivered to the developing device, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transport member is integrated within the path member structure, combining the direction-changing function with the existing transport passage. This merging approach achieves the required toner delivery to the developing device while minimizing additional system complexity.
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 structure effectively suppresses toner agglomeration and maintains efficient transport performance even when the transport direction is changed, reducing maintenance time and ensuring consistent toner supply to the developing device.
Implementation Method 1
The path member guides toner downward in a vertical direction
Data Source
AI summary
A toner transport structure has a transport passage that extends in an intersecting direction that intersects a vertical direction. The toner transport structure includes a path member that has an upper end and a lower end, an exit on a lower end side thereof, and an entrance on an upper end side thereof. The exit and the entrance have respective openings, and the path member guides toner downward in the vertical direction. The toner transport structure also includes a transport member disposed in the transport passage that is connected to the exit on the lower end side of the path member. The transport member transports along the transport passage the toner having been guided downward by the path member. In the toner transport structure, an area of the opening at the exit is larger than an area of the opening at the entrance.