Developer Container Cap With Radial Protrusion For Compact Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Downsizing of developer containers poses a challenge in ensuring sufficient space for welding the toner cap's flange portion, leading to potential leakage and cap detachment, which compromises the sealing of the toner filling port.
Innovation Solution
A compact developer container design featuring a cylindrical filling port with radially inward protruding projection portions and a cap with a radially outward flange portion that contacts the inner surface, ensuring secure attachment and preventing leakage, even in downsized configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the developer container is downsized, then the compactness and portability are improved, but the space for welding the flange portion is insufficient causing cap detachment and toner leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the attachment mechanism into two functional segments: the flange portion for sealing contact and the protruding portion for mechanical interlocking. This segmentation allows the cap to achieve reliable attachment through combined friction fit and mechanical engagement, eliminating the need for welding space while maintaining cap security in compact containers
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of welding the flange portion to the container exterior, the invention inverts the attachment approach by having the protruding portion extend into the container interior. This inverted configuration provides mechanical interlocking within the limited space, achieving secure attachment without requiring external welding surface area
2Reliability
If the flange portion is welded onto the outer surface, then the cap is securely fixed preventing toner leakage, but sufficient welding space cannot be ensured in downsized containers
Solution Approach 1:
The cap structure serves itself by integrating both sealing and mechanical attachment functions into a single component. The flange portion provides sealing through friction fit, while the protruding portion provides mechanical interlocking, eliminating the need for external welding and allowing the cap to secure itself within the limited space of compact containers
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the welding mechanical system with a friction fit and mechanical interlocking system. The flange portion creates friction fit sealing against the inner peripheral surface, while the protruding portion engages with the container interior to prevent cap detachment, substituting the welding process with purely mechanical attachment methods that require no additional surface area
Data Source
AI summary
A developer container includes: a casing having a filling port and a cap for covering the filling port. The filling port is defined by a cylindrical through-hole having an inner peripheral surface, and a protruding portion protruding radially inward from the inner peripheral surface. The cap is attached to the casing in a first direction. The cap includes: a main body portion in a tubular shape having an outer peripheral surface; and a flange portion protruding radially outward from the outer peripheral surface in annular fashion. The flange portion is positioned downstream of the main body portion in the first direction and configured to be in contact with the inner peripheral surface. The protruding portion is positioned upstream of the flange portion in the first direction upon attachment of the cap to the casing.