Developer Supply Container Lifting Mechanism for Low-Force Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing developer supply systems require high mounting forces due to simultaneous application of forces in the mounting and vertical directions, making the process cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A developer supply container with a supporting portion that is displaced upward by a moving mechanism, allowing the receiving opening to communicate with the discharge opening during mounting, reducing the load required for movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the developer receiving portion is guided by an inclined guide to move toward the supply container during mounting, then the receiving opening can be connected to the discharge opening, but mounting force is required due to simultaneous application of forces in mounting direction and vertical direction
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the movement function into two independent components: a guide that moves only in the mounting direction and a supporting portion that moves only in the vertical direction. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without requiring simultaneous force application, thereby reducing the mounting force required while maintaining proper connection between openings.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting portion acts as an intermediary element between the guide and the developer receiving portion. It receives the vertical movement function separately from the guide's horizontal guiding function, enabling the developer receiving portion to move smoothly toward the supply container without requiring high mounting force to overcome simultaneous force applications.
2Ease of operation
If the guide is inclined to move the developer receiving portion upward, then the receiving opening communicates with the discharge opening, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the movement control into two independent components: a guide structure that handles only horizontal movement in the mounting direction, and a supporting portion that handles only vertical movement. This segmentation simplifies each individual component's design compared to a single inclined guide, while achieving the same functional result of connecting the receiving opening to the discharge opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting portion serves as an intermediary that decouples the vertical movement function from the guide structure. This allows the guide to be simpler (handling only horizontal guidance) while the supporting portion independently provides the necessary vertical movement, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining proper opening connection.
Data Source
AI summary
With a mounting operation of a supply container, a supported portion 11b of a developer receiving portion 11 is supported by a receipt supporting portion 30c of a lifting portion 30. With further mounting operation, a shutter sliding portion 30b of the lifting portion 30 slides on a shutter inclined portion 4f of a shutter 4. The developer receiving portion 11 is displaced so as to bring a receiving opening into communication with a discharge opening by operating, using the shutter 4, the lifting portion 30 supporting the supported portion 11b of the developer receiving portion 11. By this, a load required for movement of the developer receiving portion 11 is reduced to achieve smooth mounting of the supply container.