Developer Storage Container Substrate Removal Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

The classification of used image drum units is hindered by the difficulty in removing substrate members from tag storage portions, leading to time-consuming classification processes.

Innovation Solution

A developer storage container with a substrate support structure featuring a container wall, first and second support portions, and a lid portion with protrusions that allow for easy access and removal of the substrate member, facilitating simplified classification work.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the substrate member is securely stored in the tag storage portion, then the substrate member is firmly held, but it becomes difficult to remove the substrate member for classification

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesubstrate member retentionVSAvoidsubstrate member removal
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is divided into a first support portion (fixed to container wall) and a second support portion (movable relative to first support portion). This segmentation allows the substrate member to be securely held during storage while enabling easy removal by applying force to the movable second support portion, which releases the substrate member without requiring forceful extraction from a fully fixed structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the tag storage portion is designed for secure storage, then the substrate member is protected, but classification work takes more time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesubstrate member protectionVSAvoidclassification speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The second support portion is designed to be movable relative to the first support portion, transforming the storage structure from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic one. During normal storage, the structure provides reliable protection. During classification, the movable portion can be easily shifted or removed, allowing rapid substrate member extraction without compromising the protective function when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If the substrate member is tightly fixed in the storage portion, then secure storage is achieved, but removal requires excessive force and time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixed connection strengthVSAvoidsubstrate member removal time
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the support structure into fixed and movable portions, the invention creates a controlled weakness point at the interface between the two support portions. This allows the substrate member to experience strong holding force during storage while enabling time-efficient removal by simply disengaging the movable second support portion, avoiding the need to overcome excessive fixed connection strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3264191B1Developer storage container, developing device, image forming apparatus and substrate support structure
Publication Date: 2019.08.14 OKI DATA CORP
  • EP3264191B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3264191B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3264191B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4D

AI summary

A developer storage container includes a container wall, a substrate member having first and second surfaces, and a storage portion provided on the container wall and storing the substrate member. The storage portion includes an outer surrounding wall provided on the container wall, a first support portion disposed inside the outer surrounding wall and supporting the first surface of the substrate member, and a second support portion disposed inside the outer surrounding wall and connected to the container wall. The second support portion supports the first surface of the substrate member. A lid portion is fixed to the outer surrounding wall and has an opening through which the substrate member is exposed. The lid portion contacts the second surface of the substrate member. The lid portion includes first and second protrusions protruding in a second direction perpendicular to a first direction from the substrate member to the container wall. A distance between the first and second protrusions in the second direction is shorter than a length of the substrate member in the second direction. The outer surrounding wall has a through-hole disposed so as to face the second support portion.