Developer Container Connector Assembly for Airtight Toner Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing developer container configurations face challenges in efficient toner filling while maintaining airtightness, making assembly difficult and prone to leakage.
Innovation Solution
A developer container design featuring a connector member with an inserted portion and discharge path forming member that engage through elastic deformation via relative rotation, ensuring secure attachment and preventing movement along the rotation axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the discharge path forming member is welded to the opening portion of the pouch through the discharge path, then the airtightness of the pouch is maintained, but it becomes difficult to fill the toner efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge path forming member is divided into two separate parts: a connector member that attaches to the pouch opening, and a discharge path member that forms the toner discharge channel. This segmentation allows the pouch to be sealed airtightly with the connector member before toner filling, while the discharge path member is attached afterward, enabling efficient filling operations without compromising pouch integrity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the connector member and discharge path forming member are rigidly connected, then the assembly is stable, but the assembly process becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the connector member and discharge path forming member is made dynamic rather than rigid. The insertion portion of the discharge path forming member is inserted into the through hole of the connector member, allowing relative movement during assembly. The engaged portion and engaging portion then lock the components together, providing stability while maintaining assembly flexibility.
3Reliability
If the engaged portion and engaging portion are designed for tight engagement, then relative movement is restricted, but the assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement mechanism utilizes elastic deformation as a key parameter change. The engaged portion is designed to elastically deform during the engagement process, allowing the connector member and discharge path forming member to come together through relative rotation. This elastic deformation enables reliable connection while keeping the engagement mechanism relatively simple, as it relies on material elasticity rather than complex mechanical interlocking.
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 easy assembly and reduces toner leakage by enhancing the engagement between connector and discharge path forming members, improving filling efficiency and maintaining container airtightness.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the connector member and the discharge path forming member is elastically deformed by a relative rotation between the connector member and the discharge path forming member about a predetermined rotation axis
Data Source
AI summary
A developer container includes a container member, a connector member attached to the container member, and a discharge path forming member connected to the container member and to discharge a developer from the container member. The connector member includes an inserted portion, and an engaged portion. The discharge path forming member includes an insertion portion inserted into the inserted portion, and an engaging portion provided correspondingly to the engaged portion. The engaged portion and engaging portion come to a state of mutual engagement by a relative rotation between the connector member and the discharge path forming member about a predetermined rotation axis, in a state where the insertion portion is inserted into the inserted portion. In the engaged state, the engaged portion and engaging portion restrict a relative movement of the connector member and the discharge path forming member in the direction of the rotation axis.