Powder Collection Container With Segmented Conveying Screw
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional powder collection containers in image forming apparatuses face inefficiencies in waste toner collection, including uneven load distribution on conveying screws, which can lead to breakage and increased driving torque, and limited collection space due to direct conveying mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A powder collection container design featuring a conveying screw with a non-screw portion between the collection port and the end, allowing for a buffer pile and reducing local load on the screw, thus preventing breakage and optimizing space utilization by forming a pile at multiple positions within the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conveying screw continuously conveys powder from the collection port, then powder collection is efficient, but the screw is subject to uneven load distribution which can lead to breakage and increased driving torque
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying screw is segmented into a screw portion and a non-screw portion along its axial length. The screw portion conveys powder efficiently, while the non-screw portion acts as a load-relief section that prevents continuous stress accumulation, thereby reducing breakage risk and driving torque without significantly compromising collection efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The non-screw portion is positioned upstream of the screw portion to provide a buffer zone that cushions the powder flow before it enters the main conveying section. This preliminary cushioning reduces the impact load on the screw threads, preventing sudden stress spikes that could lead to breakage
2Productivity
If the conveying screw extends throughout the container, then powder is conveyed efficiently, but the collection space is limited due to the screw occupying container volume
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying screw is divided into discrete segments (screw portion and non-screw portion) rather than being a continuous structure. This segmentation allows the screw to occupy minimal necessary volume while still providing effective conveyance in the active screw portion, maximizing the remaining container space for powder storage
Solution Approach 2:
The screw portion is designed to extend only partially through the container rather than spanning its entire length. This partial action is sufficient to convey powder from the collection port to the storage area, while the reduced screw length frees up container volume for increased powder capacity
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 design enhances waste toner collection efficiency by reducing the risk of screw breakage, minimizing abnormal noise, and increasing the collection capacity within the same space, ensuring reliable operation and improved waste toner management.
Implementation Method 1
The conveying screw includes a shaft portion and a screw portion. The screw portion is wound around the shaft portion. The conveying screw rotates in a specified direction to convey the powder, which has flowed into the container body, toward an end of the conveying screw in the axial direction.
Data Source
AI summary
A powder collection container includes a container body, a conveying screw, a shaft portion, and a screw portion. The container body has a collection port from which powder is to flows into the container body. The conveying screw includes a shaft portion and a screw portion. The shaft portion extends in an axial direction of the conveying screw. The screw portion is wound around the shaft portion. The conveying screw rotates in a specified direction to convey the powder, which has flowed into the container body, toward an end of the conveying screw in the axial direction. The conveying screw includes a non-screw portion around which no screw portion is wound at least one position of the shaft portion between the collection port and the end of the conveying screw in the axial direction.