Packing Case Orientation for Residual Developer Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for packing used process cartridges fail to efficiently extract residual developer from the developing section, leading to incomplete removal and potential interference during refilling, as the developer remains in the developing section due to its design and orientation during packing.

Innovation Solution

A packing method and package that positions the developer-carrying member vertically above a developer-extracting hole in the developer-accommodating section, using a cushioning member to restrict movement and ensure the developer-carrying member is aligned correctly, allowing for efficient extraction of residual developer before refilling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the process cartridge is packed in a conventional orientation (not inverted), then the structure is simple and easy to pack, but residual developer remains in the developing section and cannot be efficiently extracted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepacking simplicityVSAvoiddeveloper extraction efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the process cartridge during packing so that the developing section is positioned above the developer-accommodating section. This inversion enables residual developer to flow from the developing section through the developer-extracting hole into the developer-accommodating section under gravity, achieving efficient developer extraction while maintaining simple packing structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If the process cartridge is inverted during packing to enable developer extraction, then developer can be extracted from the developer-accommodating section, but residual developer in the developing section cannot flow out because the developing section is horizontally adjacent to the developer-accommodating section

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeveloper extraction efficiencyVSAvoiddeveloper removal completeness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting the process cartridge during packing, the developing section is positioned vertically above the developer-accommodating section. This vertical arrangement creates a gravity-driven flow path that allows residual developer in the developing section to naturally flow through the developer-extracting hole into the developer-accommodating section, enabling complete developer removal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Manufacturing precision

If the cushioning member is designed to restrict movement and ensure correct orientation, then the developer-carrying member is properly aligned above the developer-extracting hole, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidpacking structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cushioning member is designed with a shape that corresponds to the external shape of the process cartridge, enabling the cartridge to self-align and self-position correctly within the packing case. The cushioning member's geometry naturally guides the cartridge into the proper orientation with the developer-carrying member above the developer-extracting hole, achieving precise alignment without complex positioning mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 approach effectively transfers residual developer from the developing section to the developer-accommodating section, facilitating complete extraction and preventing interference during the refilling process, ensuring the process cartridge is ready for reuse without residual toner affecting new toner insertion.

Implementation Method 1

positions the developer-carrying member vertically above a developer-extracting hole

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

effectively transfers residual developer from the developing section to the developer-accommodating section

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity-driven flow: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS7636529B2Package, packing assembly, and packing method for used process cartridge

Publication Date: 2009.12.22 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

The package has an used developer cartridge, a packing case and cushioning members. The packing case is configured with a upper surface that can be opened. When packed in the packing case, the developer cartridge is accommodated in the cushioning members so that the developing roller is positioned vertically above the toner-extracting hole. Recessed parts are formed in the cushioning members, respectively. One recessed part is shaped to closely fit over the upper surface of the developer cartridge. The other recessed part is shaped to fit closes over the lower surface of the developer cartridge. The recessed parts accommodate the developer cartridge so that the developer cartridge has no play therein.