Multi-Scraper Paddle Assembly for Shake-Free Toner Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Toner cartridges in electrophotographic imaging devices often require shaking to empty residual toner, leading to potential leaks and malfunctions, and existing torque-based toner level sensing methods are not fully efficient in delivering all toner, resulting in incomplete usage and waste.
Innovation Solution
A toner cartridge with a paddle assembly featuring multiple scrapers that rotate to scrape toner from interior surfaces and deliver it efficiently to the imaging device, minimizing residual toner by ensuring consistent supply until the cartridge is empty.
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 divided into multiple scrapers (first scraper, second scraper, third scraper) positioned at different locations and orientations. Each scraper independently contacts different interior surfaces of the toner reservoir, collectively providing comprehensive toner removal while maintaining torque measurement capability through the central paddle structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-sided paddle to a multi-dimensional scraper configuration where scrapers extend in multiple directions (radially and tangentially) from the central axis. This three-dimensional arrangement ensures contact with toner adhering to all interior surfaces including top, bottom, front, rear, and side walls, maximizing toner delivery efficiency.
2Productivity
If the paddle touches the housing wall to improve toner contact, then toner delivery is enhanced, but torque based toner level measurement is interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the paddle assembly have different functional properties: the central paddle portion maintains a clean surface for accurate torque measurement, while the extended scraper portions are designed to contact and remove toner from interior surfaces. This local differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of measurement accuracy and toner delivery efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The paddle assembly is segmented into a central measurement portion and multiple extended scraping portions. The central portion remains clear of toner-contacting elements to maintain measurement accuracy, while the extended scrapers independently contact interior surfaces to enhance toner delivery, separating the measurement function from the delivery function spatially.
3Productivity
If shaking the toner cartridge is performed to remove residual toner, then toner delivery completeness is improved, but the cartridge may drop, leak, or malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-scrapers paddle assembly performs the toner removal function automatically during normal operation without requiring external shaking actions. The scrapers continuously contact and remove toner from all interior surfaces as the paddle rotates, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for user intervention that could cause damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The paddle assembly provides continuous toner removal action throughout the entire operational life of the cartridge. The multiple scrapers continuously contact interior surfaces during each rotation cycle, ensuring complete toner delivery without interruption or the need for periodic shaking operations that could compromise reliability.
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 ensures a reliable and consistent toner supply to the imaging device, reducing residual toner and eliminating the need for shaking, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and preventing malfunctions.
Implementation Method 1
a main scraper mounted in cantilevered manner from a first segment of the cross member and having an interference contact with interior surfaces of the front, top, rear and bottom of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A toner delivery system for a shake-free toner cartridge comprises a toner paddle assembly having a plurality of scrapers. 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.