Toner Tray Vibration Control for Image Smearing Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image formation apparatuses with steering control functions, the variation in cleaning blade pressure against the intermediate transfer belt due to steering control leads to inconsistent toner removal, resulting in potential image smearing from accumulated waste toner on the tray, which is not adequately addressed by existing systems.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism that includes a vibration mechanism for the toner tray to collect waste toner effectively, combined with a steering control mechanism that adjusts the vibration frequency and amplitude based on the belt's movement control, ensuring stable image formation by preventing toner re-deposition on the belt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cleaning blade abuts against the intermediate transfer belt with fixed pressure, then toner removal is consistent, but waste toner accumulates on the tray and may return to the belt causing image smearing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration to the toner tray to prevent waste toner accumulation. The vibration mechanism oscillates the tray at controlled frequencies and amplitudes, causing waste toner to detach from the tray surface and fall away, thereby preventing its return to the intermediate transfer belt and eliminating image smearing risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment of vibration parameters based on steering control status. When steering control is active and cleaning blade pressure varies, the vibration frequency and amplitude are adjusted accordingly to compensate for changes in waste toner generation, maintaining consistent image quality across different operating conditions.
2Manufacturing precision
If steering control moves the intermediate transfer roller position, then belt axial movement is controlled, but cleaning blade pressure varies causing inconsistent toner removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by monitoring steering control status and adjusting vibration parameters accordingly. The system detects when steering control is active and modifies vibration frequency/amplitude to compensate for varying cleaning blade pressure, ensuring consistent toner removal despite position changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes vibration parameters (frequency and amplitude) in response to steering control movements. When the intermediate transfer roller position changes and cleaning blade pressure varies, the vibration mechanism adjusts its parameters to maintain effective waste toner removal, compensating for the pressure variation caused by steering control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed vibration frequency is used for the toner tray, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to varying waste toner amounts from steering control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from fixed to dynamic vibration control. The vibration frequency and amplitude are adjusted based on steering control status, allowing the system to adapt to varying waste toner amounts. This dynamic adjustment is achieved through a control mechanism that modifies vibration parameters in response to operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes in the vibration mechanism based on steering control status. When steering control is active and waste toner generation varies, the system changes vibration frequency and amplitude parameters to optimize waste toner removal, thereby adapting to different operating conditions without requiring complex redesign.
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 ensures a stable output image by adjusting the vibration of the toner tray in response to steering control movements, preventing toner re-deposition and maintaining image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration mechanism vibrating the tray to move the waste toner toward a lower side of the tray
Implementation Method 2
a cleaning member removing toner adhering to the belt member
Data Source
AI summary
An image formation apparatus comprising: a belt member suspended by a plurality of supporting rotating bodies and thus rotating; a cleaning member removing toner adhering to the belt member; a tray receiving waste toner removed from the belt member by the cleaning member; a vibration mechanism vibrating the tray to move the waste toner toward a lower side of the tray; a steering control mechanism to perform movement control to move the belt member in an axial direction of the supporting rotating bodies while the belt member rotates; and a vibration adjustment mechanism to change a manner of vibration of the vibration mechanism, based on the movement control by the steering control mechanism.