Developer Cartridge with Detachable Sub-Unit for Toner Refilling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional developer cartridges are inconvenient for replacing and refilling the developer container, as the developer container is fixed to the casing, making it difficult to exchange and replenish toner.
Innovation Solution
A developer cartridge design featuring a detachable sub-unit with a cap, developer container, and agitation member, where the developer container is hermetically sealed and the agitation member is rotatable, allowing for easy replacement and refilling of toner through a toner inlet port, and automated opening of the developer bag during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the developer container is fixed to the casing, then the structure is simple and stable, but it becomes inconvenient for replacing and refilling the developer container
Solution Approach 1:
The developer cartridge is divided into two main segments: a reusable casing and a replaceable developer accommodating unit. The developer accommodating unit includes the developer container, agitation member, and cap as an integrated sub-assembly that can be detached and replaced independently. This segmentation allows users to replace only the developer container when toner is depleted, without needing to replace the entire cartridge, thereby improving ease of operation and refilling convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap is designed to be detachable from the casing, transitioning from a sealed state during shipping to an open state during operation. The agitation member is configured to be rotatable within the developer chamber, enabling dynamic agitation of the developer. These dynamic features facilitate easy replacement and refilling operations while maintaining structural integrity during normal use.
2Reliability
If the developer container is hermetically sealed, then toner protection is improved, but replacement and refilling operations become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The developer container is hermetically sealed with a cap before shipping and storage to protect the toner from moisture and contamination. The cap is designed to be easily detachable at the point of use, allowing the sealed container to be opened and replaced without requiring complex tools or procedures. This preliminary sealing action maintains toner protection during storage while enabling straightforward replacement during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap is extracted as a separate, easily removable component from the developer container assembly. This allows the hermetically sealed container to be opened by simply removing the cap, facilitating easy refilling and replacement operations while maintaining the protective sealing function during storage and transport.
3Productivity
If the agitation member is rotatable, then developer agitation is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The agitation member is designed as a simple rotatable component within the developer chamber, capable of rotating to agitate the developer and ensure uniform toner distribution. This dynamic rotation mechanism provides effective developer agitation without requiring complex drive systems, maintaining structural simplicity while improving productivity through enhanced developer mixing and flow characteristics.
Data Source
AI summary
A developer cartridge includes a casing; and a sub-unit. The casing has a first opening and a developer chamber. The sub-unit is detachably attached to the developer chamber through the first opening. The sub-unit includes a cap; a developer container; and an agitation member. The cap seals the first opening. The developer container is disposed in the developer chamber and hermetically accommodating developer therein. The agitation member is disposed in the developer chamber. The agitation member has a first end portion and a second end portion. The agitation member is rotatable relative to the casing about an axis. The axis extends between the first end portion and the second end portion in an axial direction.