Flexible Toner Bag Container for Low-Complexity Refill
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toner containers for electrophotographic image forming apparatuses are inefficient in toner transfer and refill, often requiring complex equipment and high costs for replacement or refilling.
Innovation Solution
A toner container with a flexible bag body and discharge member, featuring a two-dimensional code on its outer surface, allows for easy attachment and toner transfer, reducing the need for complex equipment and lowering refilling costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional toner container is used, then toner can be stored, but the toner transfer efficiency is low and complex equipment is required for replacement or refilling
Solution Approach 1:
The toner container is segmented into a flexible bag body for toner storage and a separate coupling member for attachment. This segmentation allows the bag to be refilled independently without replacing the entire container assembly, improving transfer efficiency while reducing equipment complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The toner container is designed to enable self-service refilling by the user without requiring complex replacement equipment. The flexible bag body can be directly refilled through the filler opening, eliminating the need for specialized refilling machinery.
2Quantity of substance
If a traditional toner container is used, then toner can be stored, but high costs are incurred for replacement or refilling
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible bag body is designed as a disposable or easily replaceable component. When the bag is empty, users can simply replace it with a new one rather than investing in expensive refilling operations, reducing overall operational costs while maintaining adequate toner storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The container enables user-friendly refilling operations that reduce dependency on expensive service centers. The simple coupling mechanism and filler opening design allow end-users to perform refilling themselves, significantly reducing service costs.
3Ease of operation
If the two-dimensional code is located closer to the opening, then it is easier to access, but it may interfere with the coupling member attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The two-dimensional code is strategically positioned on the outer surface of the bag body at a location optimized for both readability and non-interference. This local placement ensures the code remains accessible for scanning while maintaining clear separation from the coupling member attachment zone, preserving attachment reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A toner container includes a bag body, a coupling member, and a discharge member. The bag body includes a side portion and has, formed in the bag body, storage space configured to store toner and having flexibility. The coupling member is coupled with an opening of the bag body. The discharge member discharges the toner stored in the storage space. The side portion extends in a first direction from the opening to a bottom portion opposite the opening. Two-dimensional code is provided on an outer surface opposite an inner surface of the side portion that forms the storage space for toner. The two-dimensional code is located closer to the bottom portion than to the opening in the first direction.