Dual-Trajectory Shutter for Reliable Toner Cartridge Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in reliably engaging the shutter switch due to varying trajectories during toner cartridge attachment and cartridge holder rotation, leading to inconsistent shutter opening and potential toner supply disruptions.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a shutter with first and second engaging portions that adapt to different trajectories, ensuring reliable engagement with the shutter switch in both attachment and rotation scenarios, preventing the shutter from falling and ensuring consistent toner supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single engaging portion is used on the shutter, then the structure is simple, but the shutter cannot reliably engage the shutter switch when the cartridge holder is rotated, leading to inconsistent shutter opening
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter is divided into multiple engaging portions (first engaging portion and second engaging portion) that can independently engage the shutter switch along different trajectories. This segmentation allows the shutter to reliably engage regardless of whether the cartridge is attached directly or the holder is rotated, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and engagement reliability.
2Volume of moving object
If the apparatus size is reduced, then the device becomes more compact, but the engagement area between shutter and shutter switch is reduced, making reliable engagement more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces multiple engaging portions positioned at different locations and orientations on the shutter. This multi-dimensional arrangement ensures that at least one engaging portion can reliably engage the shutter switch even when the overall engagement area is reduced due to compact apparatus sizing.
Data Source
AI summary
A powder container, storing powder used for an image forming apparatus, includes a container body, an opening, and a shutter. The opening discharges or introduces the powder, and the shutter opens and closes the opening. The shutter includes a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion. The first engaging portion engages a shutter switch, provided to an apparatus body of the image forming apparatus, in a first trajectory. The second engaging portion engages the shutter switch in a second trajectory different from the first trajectory. The shutter approaches and contacts the shutter switch in the first trajectory or the second trajectory to open and close the opening.