Automated Lock Cover Mechanism for Developer Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

In electrophotographic image forming apparatuses, the existing lock mechanisms for developer storing portions are cumbersome and inefficient, requiring users to manually identify and open specific lock covers for replacement, leading to unnecessary developer replacement and increased operational trouble.

Innovation Solution

A lock device with a lock cover, restricting portion, drive source, biasing portion, and pressing portion that automatically unlocks and opens the correct lock cover when the front cover is opened, preventing wasteful replacement and simplifying the attachment/detachment process by using a solenoid drive source and elastic biasing to release engagement and pivot the lock cover.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a manual lock mechanism is used for developer storing portions, then the structure is simple, but the operation becomes cumbersome and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelock cover opening operationVSAvoidlock mechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lock cover automatically opens itself when the front cover is opened, without requiring manual intervention. The system uses the opening action of the front cover to trigger the automatic opening of the lock cover through the drive source and pressing portion mechanism, eliminating the need for users to manually identify and open specific lock covers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces a purely mechanical manual lock mechanism with an automated system that uses a drive source (such as a motor or actuator) to automatically open the lock cover. This substitution of mechanical manual operation with an automated drive system resolves the contradiction between operational ease and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of time

If multiple lock covers are provided for different developer storing portions, then each portion can be individually secured, but identifying and opening the correct lock cover becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime to identify and open lock coverVSAvoidlock cover opening process

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates a detection mechanism that identifies which developer storing portion needs to be accessed and automatically triggers the corresponding lock cover to open. This feedback loop between the control system and the lock mechanism eliminates the time required for manual identification and ensures the correct lock cover is opened automatically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares and identifies the required lock cover opening action in advance by detecting the need for developer replacement or access before the user needs to open it. This preliminary detection and preparation eliminates the time delay between user intent and lock cover opening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If a secure lock mechanism is used to prevent unauthorized access, then developer replacement is secured, but unnecessary developer replacement may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeveloper replacement securityVSAvoiddeveloper waste

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The detection mechanism provides feedback about the actual state of each developer storing portion, enabling the system to determine precisely which containers need replacement. This feedback prevents unnecessary replacement of developer containers that still contain usable material, thereby reducing waste while maintaining security through the automated lock mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

The solution automates the unlocking of the correct lock cover based on developer thresholds, preventing unnecessary replacements and simplifying the process of attaching or detaching developer storing portions, thereby reducing user effort and minimizing errors.

Implementation Method 1

using a solenoid drive source and elastic biasing to release engagement and pivot the lock cover

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolenoid: Solenoid

Implementation Method 2

using a solenoid drive source and elastic biasing to release engagement and pivot the lock cover

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10012946B2Image forming apparatus, lock device, lock unit

Publication Date: 2018.07.03 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A lock device includes a lock cover, a restricting portion, a drive source, a biasing portion, and a pressing portion. The lock cover is opened and closed when a developer storing portion storing developer is attached or detached. The restricting portion, when the lock cover is closed, is engaged with the lock cover in such a way as to restrict the lock cover from being opened. The drive source drives the restricting portion in such a way as to release an engagement between the restricting portion and the lock cover. The biasing portion biases the restricting portion in a direction opposite to a direction in which the drive source drives the restricting portion. The pressing portion presses the lock cover in an opening direction in conjunction with an operation of the drive source to release the engagement between the restricting portion and the lock cover.