Development Cartridge with Inlet Shutter for Toner Refilling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrophotographic image forming apparatuses require frequent replacement of development cartridges, leading to increased printing costs and inconvenience in refilling toner.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a toner refilling portion within the development cartridge allows for toner refilling without removing the cartridge from the image forming apparatus, using a toner refill cartridge that connects electrically to the apparatus for controlled toner injection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the development cartridge is removed and replaced frequently, then the toner supply is maintained, but the printing cost increases and user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a refilling mechanism that allows toner to be replenished in advance while the cartridge remains mounted. The refilling port and valve system enable users to add toner before exhaustion occurs, eliminating the need for frequent cartridge removal and replacement. This preliminary action maintains continuous toner supply while significantly improving user convenience.
2Quantity of substance
If the development cartridge is removed for refilling, then toner can be replenished, but printing time is lost and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service refilling system where the development cartridge can be replenished in place without removal from the image forming apparatus. The refilling port, valve, and container system allow the cartridge to service itself by accepting toner directly while mounted, eliminating downtime and maintaining continuous printing productivity while increasing toner quantity.
3Ease of operation
If a refilling mechanism is integrated into the development cartridge, then user convenience improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the refilling function into distinct modular components: a refilling port, a valve mechanism, and a separate toner container that can be attached to the development cartridge. This segmentation allows the refilling system to be integrated without overwhelming complexity, as each component performs a specific function and can be manufactured and assembled independently, thereby improving user convenience while managing device complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A development cartridge which is mountable in an image forming apparatus includes a toner container portion to store toner and a toner refilling portion to receive, from a toner refill cartridge mountable to the toner refilling portion, toner to be stored in the toner container portion. The toner refilling portion includes an inlet shutter rotatable to an inlet position at which the toner is capable of being received by the toner refilling portion from the toner refill cartridge, and a shutter protrusion provided on a surface of the inlet shutter to, while the inlet shutter is rotated, contact an object and cause feedback indicating the inlet shutter is rotated to the inlet position.