Developer Supply Container Alignment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing developer supply systems for electrophotographic image forming apparatuses lack an efficient mechanism for aligning the developer receiving portion with the discharge opening of the supply container during mounting, leading to potential contamination and inefficiencies in developer transfer.
Innovation Solution
A developer supply container with a rotatable developer accommodating portion and a discharging portion that includes an engaging portion on one side, allowing the developer receiving portion to move and align with the discharge opening, establishing fluid communication for seamless developer transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the developer supply container is mounted to the developer receiving apparatus without an engaging portion, then the mounting operation is simple, but the developer receiving portion cannot be properly aligned with the discharge opening
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging portion on the developer supply container automatically engages with the portion-to-be-engaged on the developer receiving apparatus during mounting, causing the developer receiving portion to displace and align with the discharge opening without requiring external alignment mechanisms or complex adjustment procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging portion acts as an intermediary mechanical element that translates the mounting motion into precise alignment between the developer receiving portion and discharge opening, ensuring accurate positioning through the engagement mechanism
2Reliability
If the developer receiving portion is stationary, then the structure is simple, but the receiving port cannot be brought into fluid communication with the discharge opening during mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The developer receiving portion is designed to be movable rather than stationary, displacing toward the discharge opening when the engaging portion engages during mounting, thereby dynamically achieving fluid communication between the receiving port and discharge opening
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging portion is pre-configured on the developer supply container to automatically perform the alignment action during mounting, causing the developer receiving portion to displace and establish fluid communication before developer transfer begins
Data Source
AI summary
A developer supply container includes a developer discharging portion that is provided with a discharge passageway. A track is provided at a first side of the developer discharging portion. A shutter is provided with a shutter opening configured to permit discharge of the developer from the discharge passageway, with the shutter including a recessed portion on an outer side of the shutter. The recessed portion includes an inclined surface.