Integrated Sub-Hopper Assembly for Toner Supply Setup

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Solution Overview

Problem

In electrophotographic image forming apparatuses, the setup process is complicated due to the need to replace large toner cartridges and the risk of incorrectly positioning multiple sub-hoppers, leading to inefficiencies and increased complexity.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus includes plural developing devices, toner cartridges, sub-hoppers, a coupling member to integrate the sub-hoppers, and a holding member that detachably attaches the sub-hoppers to the developing devices, allowing for efficient toner supply and simplifying the setup by integrating the sub-hoppers into a single unit that can be easily attached and detached.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If multiple sub-hoppers are arranged between toner cartridges and developing devices, then continuous printing capability is improved, but the complexity of setup and positioning increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous printing capabilityVSAvoidsetup complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple sub-hoppers are integrated into a single integrated sub-hopper assembly that is pre-configured with multiple toner cartridges. This merging approach allows continuous printing capability while reducing setup complexity, as the entire assembly with multiple sub-hoppers is installed as one unit rather than individually positioning multiple separate sub-hoppers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Duration of action of moving object

If large capacity toner cartridges are used, then printing duration is improved, but the size and handling difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting durationVSAvoidhandling ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The toner supply system is segmented into multiple smaller sub-hoppers, each receiving toner from separate toner cartridges. This segmentation allows the use of smaller, more manageable toner cartridges while achieving the same total printing duration through multiple units working in parallel or sequence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sub-hoppers are positioned independently, then flexibility is improved, but the risk of incorrect positioning increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple sub-hoppers are merged into a single integrated assembly with pre-established correct positioning relationships. This ensures that when the assembly is installed, all sub-hoppers are automatically positioned correctly, eliminating the risk of incorrect positioning while maintaining the flexibility of having multiple sub-hoppers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8195066B2Image forming apparatus and toner supplying apparatus

Publication Date: 2012.06.05 KK TOSHIBA

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes plural developing devices, plural toner cartridges, and plural sub-hoppers that receive toners stored in the respective toner cartridges and supply the toners to the respective developing devices. The plural sub-hoppers are coupled by a coupling member. The coupled plural sub-hoppers are detachably held between the toner cartridges and the developing devices.