Packaging Arrangement for Image Formation Apparatus with Desiccant
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Solution Overview
Problem
The packaging of image formation apparatuses with process cartridges poses a challenge in maintaining toner in a dried condition due to moisture absorption, as the cartridges cannot be packaged in airtight bags when mounted within the apparatus, leading to potential damage from vibratory motion during transportation.
Innovation Solution
A packaging arrangement that includes a main body with an accommodation chamber for the process cartridge, an openable cover, and a detachable drying agent placed between the chamber and the cartridge, allowing the drying agent to be exposed externally when the cover is open and covering it when closed, effectively maintaining the toner's dry state and absorbing shocks during transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the process cartridge is packaged in an airtight bag separately, then the toner remains in a dried condition, but the packaging complexity and shipping efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the process cartridge packaging with the image formation apparatus housing by integrating a desiccant bag into the apparatus body. The desiccant bag is positioned to directly contact the process cartridge, creating a combined packaging system that eliminates the need for separate airtight bags while maintaining moisture protection during shipping.
2Productivity
If the image formation apparatus is packaged with the process cartridge mounted therein, then shipping efficiency is improved, but the toner cannot be maintained in a dried condition due to inability to use airtight bags
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a desiccant bag as an intermediary substance between the external environment and the process cartridge. This desiccant bag absorbs moisture in the enclosed space, mediating the protective function that would otherwise require an airtight seal, thereby enabling both integrated packaging and moisture protection.
3Reliability
If the charging roller and developing roller are spaced from the photoconductive drum, then the drum is protected from damage during transport, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies beforehand cushioning by positioning the desiccant bag to occupy the space between the process cartridge (containing charging and developing rollers) and the photoconductive drum. This pre-arranged spacing structure protects the photoconductive drum from vibratory motion damage during transport while maintaining operational readiness.
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
This configuration suppresses toner moisture absorption and protects the photoconductive drum from damage, ensuring efficient drying and reduced risk of damage during shipping and storage.
Implementation Method 1
a drying agent arrange detachably arranged in a clearance which is formed between an inner face of the accommodation chamber and the process cartridge attached in the accommodation chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A packaging arrangement of an image formation apparatus and a process cartridge includes a main body formed with an accommodation chamber configured to accommodate a process cartridge containing toner used for image formation. The main body is formed with an opening through which the process cartridge is detachably attached. The image formation apparatus is configured to be packaged with the process cartridge attached in the accommodation chamber. An openable cover configured to openably cover the opening is provided, and a drying agent is detachably arranged in a clearance formed between an inner face of the accommodation chamber and the process cartridge attached in the accommodation chamber. A part of the drying agent is exposed to outside through the opening of the clearance when the cover is opened, while the process cartridge and the drying agent are covered when the cover is closed.