Developer Container Form-Changing Identifier and Airflow Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toner cartridges are difficult to reuse due to complex disassembly required for cleaning and lack of clear differentiation between new and reused cartridges, leading to strength degradation and environmental concerns.
Innovation Solution
A developer container with a container body and terminal that allows electrical connection to an image forming apparatus, featuring a form-changing identifier and airflow hole for easy cleaning and history verification, enabling efficient toner removal and reuse without disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If the toner cartridge is disassembled for cleaning, then residual toner can be removed, but the work becomes complex and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the cleaning function from the complex disassembly process by providing a dedicated cleaning port that allows air to be introduced into the container body. This enables residual toner to be removed through the filling port using a suction device, eliminating the need to disassemble the container for cleaning purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces air as an intermediary substance through the cleaning port to facilitate toner removal. The air flows through the container body via the airflow hole, enabling the suction device to efficiently remove residual toner through the filling port without direct access to the container interior.
2Reliability
If the toner cartridge is reused multiple times, then environmental protection is improved, but strength degradation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables preliminary cleaning action before reuse by providing a cleaning port and airflow hole that allow residual toner to be removed through air flow and suction. This preliminary cleaning maintains the container's integrity and prevents strength degradation that would result from repeated disassembly and reassembly operations.
3Ease of operation
If the air inflow hole is sealed with a seal member, then cleaning function is provided, but it becomes difficult to specify whether the container is new or reused
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a visual indicator mechanism where the identifier changes its visible state based on whether the container is new or has been cleaned. When the container is new, the identifier has a first visible state; after cleaning through the airflow hole, the identifier transitions to a second visible state, providing clear visual information about the container's usage history.
4Reliability
If the identifier is engaged with the container terminal, then electrical connection is provided, but the identifier cannot change form to indicate usage history
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the identifier into a separate component that can be engaged with the container terminal for electrical connection while maintaining the ability to change its visible state. The identifier is designed as a distinct element that can transition between different visible states (such as colored portions becoming visible or hidden) without compromising its electrical connection function with the terminal.
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
Facilitates efficient cleaning and reuse of toner cartridges by allowing air flow for residual toner removal and visually distinguishing new from reused cartridges, thereby addressing environmental and strength degradation issues.
Implementation Method 1
a flow preparation part that separates an inside and outside of the container body before changing the form of the identifier and that allows the air to flow between the inside and outside of the container body after changing the form of the identifier
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A developer container (50) includes: a container body (70) that stores a developer and includes a filling port (59) for the developer; and a container terminal (58) that is attachable to and detachable from the container body (70). The container body (70) is provided with an identifier (205) that engages with the container terminal (58) and is caused to change own form that can be identified from an outside, by an external force that is applied to detach the container terminal (58) from the container body (70). The container body (70) is provided with a flow preparation part (208) that separates an inside and outside of the container body (70) before changing the form of the identifier (205) and that allows the air to flow between the inside and outside of the container body (70) after changing the form of the identifier (205).