Flexible Container Fastening Mechanism for Developer Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for fixing a flexible container to a frame in electrophotographic image forming apparatuses are complex and require specialized tools or adhesives, making the process cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A developer accommodating unit with a flexible container featuring a fastening hole and a retaining portion that uses a fixing shaft portion to securely attach the container to a frame, allowing for simple and tool-free attachment through elastic deformation of the container's edge, which rides over the retaining portion to lock the shaft in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ultrasonic caulking is used to fix the flexible container to the frame, then the container can be securely attached, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and requires specialized tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the ultrasonic caulking process (acoustic/thermal mechanical system) with a simple elastic deformation mechanism. The flexible container's edge is elastically deformed to ride over the retaining portion, creating a mechanical lock without requiring ultrasonic waves or specialized caulking tools. This substitution eliminates complex equipment while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible container itself performs the fixing action through its own elastic deformation. The container's edge deforms elastically to engage with the retaining portion, and the retaining portion prevents disengagement. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external fixing tools or complex processes, allowing the container to secure itself to the frame.
2Reliability
If adhesive is used to fix the flexible container to the frame, then the container can be securely attached, but additional materials and processing steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the adhesive material from the fixing system. Instead of using adhesive to bond the container to the frame, the invention uses a mechanical interlocking mechanism where the container's elastic edge rides over the retaining portion. This extraction removes the need for adhesive application, drying time, and associated manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the chemical bonding mechanism of adhesive with a mechanical elastic deformation mechanism. The container's edge undergoes elastic deformation to engage with the retaining portion, creating a physical lock that replaces the need for adhesive. This substitution eliminates material addition and simplifies the manufacturing process.
3Reliability
If a complex fixing method is used to attach the flexible container, then secure attachment is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible container performs its own fixing through a simple elastic deformation action. The container's edge is deformed elastically to ride over the retaining portion, and the retaining portion's geometry prevents disengagement. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex external fixing equipment or multi-step processes, significantly improving manufacturing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in the elastic parameter of the container's edge material. By leveraging the material's elastic properties, the edge can be deformed during assembly to engage with the retaining portion and then returns to its original shape to maintain a secure, reversible connection. This parameter-based approach enables simple, efficient fixing without complex mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables reliable and stable fixation of the flexible container, ensuring consistent developer supply without the need for ultrasonic caulking or additional adhesives, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the fastening hole is locked by fitting the fastening hole around the fixing shaft portion while an edge of the fastening hole rides over the retaining portion by elastic deformation thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A developer accommodating unit for accommodating a developer includes a flexible container, provided with an opening for permitting discharge of the developer, for accommodating the developer, and a frame. The flexible container is provided with a fastening hole for fastening said flexible container in said frame. The frame includes a fixing shaft portion fixed in the fastening hole by being inserted into the fastening hole, and includes a retaining portion for preventing the fixing shaft portion from being disengaged from the fastening hole. The fastening hole is locked by fitting the fastening hole around the fixing shaft portion while an edge of the fastening hole rides over the retaining portion by elastic deformation thereof.