Developer Collection Container with Rotating Conveyance Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing developer collection systems in image formation apparatuses, such as electrophotographic printers, face inefficiencies in conveying and containing waste toner, leading to incomplete collection and potential leakage.
Innovation Solution
A developer collection container equipped with a rotatable conveyance member and a guide structure that supports the conveyance member, allowing waste toner to be efficiently conveyed and deposited deep within the container, preventing leakage and maximizing storage capacity without increasing the apparatus size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple conveyance structure is used, then device complexity is reduced, but developer conveyance efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance member is designed to rotate, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one. This rotation enables the conveyance member to actively propel developer material deep into the container body, significantly improving conveyance efficiency without adding complex mechanical systems. The rotational motion is achieved through a simple drive mechanism that engages with the conveyance member.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a vertical dimension to the conveyance process by extending the conveyance member deep into the container body along the axial direction. This three-dimensional arrangement allows developer to be conveyed not just horizontally but also vertically deposited at the bottom of the container, enhancing storage capacity without increasing the container's footprint.
2Quantity of substance
If the container size is increased to store more waste toner, then storage capacity is improved, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance member extends axially deep into the container body, utilizing the vertical space that would otherwise be wasted. This axial extension enables the system to store large quantities of waste toner by filling the container from the bottom up, maximizing the use of available volume without increasing the container's external dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating conveyance member continuously moves waste toner to the deepest part of the container, ensuring that the storage space is fully utilized. This dynamic conveyance mechanism allows the container to maintain a compact footprint while achieving high storage capacity through efficient space utilization.
3Quantity of substance
If developer is conveyed deep inside the container, then storage efficiency is improved, but conveyance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance member serves dual functions: it both conveys waste toner and acts as a structural element within the container. By merging the conveyance function with the container's internal structure, the invention achieves deep developer conveyance without adding separate, complex conveyance systems. The conveyance member is integrated into the container body, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The simple rotational motion of the conveyance member achieves deep conveyance of developer material. This dynamic approach replaces what would otherwise require complex pumping or screw mechanisms, maintaining simplicity while achieving the goal of conveying developer to the deepest part of the container for efficient storage.
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 system effectively conveys and contains a large amount of waste toner with a simple configuration, reducing the risk of leakage and enabling efficient storage without enlarging the apparatus, ensuring efficient operation and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
the rotatable developer conveyance member conveys the waste toner from the outside to the inside of the container body
Implementation Method 2
the waste toner can freely fall from the guide and be deposited
Data Source
AI summary
A developer collection container includes: a container body capable of containing collected developer; a developer conveyance member extending into the developer collection container and configured to convey the developer into the container body; and a guide provided in the container body and supporting the developer conveyance member from below the developer conveyance member.