Developer Storage Container Assembly via Phase-Guided Agitator Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for assembling developer agitation members and drive transmission members in developer storage containers are cumbersome, requiring complex robotic control and complicating the assembly process due to the need for precise retention and connection mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A developer storage container design featuring a contact mechanism where the agitation member has first and second contact portions that allow or prevent connection with the drive transmission member through a through-hole based on its rotational phase, simplifying the assembly by stabilizing the agitation member's position and ensuring correct phase alignment during mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the agitation member is retained in a raised state during assembly, then the connection between agitation member and drive transmission member can be achieved, but the assembly process becomes complex and requires complicated robotic control
Solution Approach 1:
The container portion is designed with a recess that preliminarily positions the agitation member in the correct assembled state. The recess receives the agitation member when it is in the assembled state, ensuring proper alignment and connection with the drive transmission member before final assembly is completed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical retention mechanisms with a simpler geometric fit. The recess in the container portion provides passive mechanical guidance and positioning, eliminating the need for active robotic control and complex retention mechanisms during assembly.
2Manufacturing precision
If precise retention and connection mechanisms are used, then assembly accuracy can be achieved, but the assembly process becomes cumbersome and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The agitation member and container portion are designed to self-align and self-position through their geometric features. The recess in the container portion automatically guides the agitation member into the correct position, and the drive transmission member connects through the through-hole without requiring external retention mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly is divided into distinct functional segments: the container portion with recess and through-hole, the agitation member with specific geometry, and the drive transmission member. Each segment has clearly defined interfaces that simplify the assembly process while maintaining precision.
Data Source
AI summary
In order to achieve an improvement in terms of workability when mounting a developer agitation member and a drive transmission member to a container portion storing developer, there is provided a method of mounting a developer storage container in which, when mounting a developer agitation member to a developer storage portion, a drive transmission member is inserted for connection from an end portion of the developer agitation member, the developer agitation member exhibits a first phase and a second phase. The first phase allows connection of the developer agitation member and the drive transmission member in the insertion path of the drive transmission member, whereas the second phase does not allow connection of the developer agitation member and the drive transmission member in the insertion path of a support member.