Multi-Scraper Paddle Assembly for Shake-Free Toner Cartridge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Toner cartridges in electrophotographic imaging devices often require shaking to fully empty, leading to inefficiencies in toner delivery and potential malfunctions due to residual toner and risk of toner leaks or cartridge damage.
Innovation Solution
A toner paddle assembly with multiple scrapers is rotatably mounted within the cartridge, featuring a drive shaft, frame with aligned arms, and cross members, allowing for effective scraping of toner from interior surfaces and efficient delivery to the imaging device, minimizing residual toner and eliminating the need for shaking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a one-sided paddle is used to sense toner level, then torque based toner level measurement is provided, but toner delivery efficiency is reduced and residual toner remains in the cartridge
Solution Approach 1:
The paddle assembly is segmented into multiple scrapers (first scraper, second scraper, third scraper) positioned at different locations and orientations. Each scraper is independent and can be optimized for its specific scraping zone, allowing comprehensive toner removal from all interior surfaces while maintaining measurement capability through the torque-based system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a one-sided paddle to a multi-dimensional scraper configuration with scrapers extending in different directions from the rotation axis. This three-dimensional arrangement ensures contact with toner adhering to front, rear, and bottom surfaces of the housing, eliminating blind spots in toner delivery.
2Productivity
If the paddle touches the housing wall to improve toner removal, then toner delivery efficiency increases, but torque based toner level measurement is interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the paddle assembly have different functional properties. The scrapers are designed with specific contact characteristics for scraping toner, while the rotation axis and measurement zones maintain properties suitable for accurate torque measurement. The scrapers are positioned to contact the housing wall at specific locations without interfering with the measurement mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The paddle assembly acts as an intermediary that performs both measurement and delivery functions. The scrapers mediate the contact between the rotation system and the housing wall, enabling toner removal while the torque sensor measures the rotational force without direct interference from the scraping action.
3Productivity
If customers shake the toner cartridge to remove residual toner, then toner delivery completeness improves, but the cartridge may drop, leak toner, or malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The paddle assembly performs self-service by automatically scraping and removing residual toner from all interior surfaces during normal operation. The multi-scrap器 configuration ensures that the cartridge empties completely through its own mechanical action, eliminating the need for external shaking or manual intervention that could cause damage.
Data Source
AI summary
A paddle assembly for a shake-free toner cartridge comprises a toner paddle having a plurality of scrapers. When installed in a toner cartridge, a main scraper scrapes toner adhering to interior surfaces and directs toner from a first region of the toner reservoir into the opening in a first portion of the front of the housing. A secondary scraper positioned adjacent with the main scraper scrapes and directs toner from a second region of the toner reservoir into the first region. A side scraper scrapes toner adhering to interior surfaces of respective side walls of the housing.