Developer Container Receiving Unit Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing developer containers for image forming apparatuses face challenges in increasing the capacity of their containing portions while maintaining efficient transmission of driving forces to transport units.
Innovation Solution
The developer container integrates a new-developer containing portion and a waste-developer containing portion, with a receiving unit exposed at the end surface to receive a driving force from the image forming apparatus, allowing for increased capacity and efficient force transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the transmitting unit is entirely disposed on the inner side of the end surface of the containing portion, then the structure is compact and simple, but the capacity of the containing portion is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving unit is extracted from the internal space of the containing portion and disposed on the outer side of the end surface. This extraction allows the containing portion to expand inward without accommodating the transmitting unit, thereby increasing capacity while maintaining a relatively simple structural arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmitting unit is repositioned from a three-dimensional internal arrangement to a two-dimensional surface-mounted configuration on the end surface. This dimensional change allows the containing portion to utilize its internal volume more efficiently, increasing capacity without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If the capacity of the containing portion is increased, then more developer can be stored, but the transmission of driving force becomes less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving unit is extracted from the internal space and positioned on the outer side of the end surface, creating a clear separation between the storage function (containing portion) and the power transmission function (transmitting unit). This allows both functions to be optimized independently - the containing portion can maximize its capacity while the transmitting unit maintains direct engagement with the driving unit for efficient power transmission.
3Volume of moving object
If the receiving unit is disposed inside the containing portion, then the structure is compact, but the capacity of the containing portion is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving unit is extracted from the internal volume of the containing portion and repositioned on its outer end surface. This extraction eliminates the space occupation conflict, allowing the containing portion to achieve maximum capacity without extending the overall length of the container beyond what is necessary for the containing portion itself.
Data Source
AI summary
A developer container includes: a first containing portion that contains new developer; a second containing portion that contains developer; a transport unit that transports the developer in the first containing portion toward an outside of the first containing portion; and a receiving unit that receives a driving force from a driving unit of a body of an image forming apparatus and transmits the driving force to the transport unit. The receiving unit is disposed such that a portion of the receiving unit is outwardly exposed at an end surface of one of the first containing portion and the second containing portion in an up-down direction, the exposed portion being in contact with the driving unit.