Powder Container Closing Member Dynamics for Leakage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in securely attaching and detaching powder cartridges, which can lead to inconsistent powder supply and potential leakage or contamination issues.
Innovation Solution
A powder container design with a closing member that moves in conjunction with a regulation member to open or close the powder supply port, ensuring secure attachment and detachment by striking against specific protrusions on the image forming apparatus, thereby regulating the powder supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple opening is provided on the powder containing portion, then the structure is simple, but powder leakage and contamination occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the closing member movable rather than fixed. The closing member can move between a closed position (covering the opening) and an open position (allowing powder supply), enabling the system to adapt its state based on operational requirements. This dynamic mechanism prevents powder leakage when closed while allowing controlled supply when open, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and powder supply reliability.
2Ease of operation
If the closing member is moved manually, then the operation is simple, but consistent powder supply cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements the self-service principle through the automatic movement mechanism. When the powder containing portion is inserted into or removed from the image forming apparatus, the closing member automatically moves to the appropriate position without requiring manual intervention. The movement is driven by the relative motion between the powder containing portion and the apparatus itself, eliminating the need for user operation while maintaining reliable powder supply control.
3Reliability
If the closing member is always closed, then powder leakage is prevented, but powder supply is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by making the closing member dynamically switch between closed and open states. The closing member is positioned to cover the opening during storage and transport (preventing leakage) but automatically moves to open the opening when the powder containing portion is installed in the image forming apparatus (enabling supply). This dynamic state change allows the system to simultaneously achieve both powder containment security and supply availability.
4Reliability
If a complex movement regulation mechanism is added, then attachment reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle to the movement regulation mechanism. The closing member's movement is automatically regulated by the relative motion between the powder containing portion and the image forming apparatus during insertion and removal. The mechanism uses the inherent movement of the powder containing portion itself to drive the closing member, eliminating the need for separate complex actuation systems while achieving reliable attachment and detachment functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A powder container includes: a powder containing portion that has an opening formed thereon and contains powder inside thereof, the powder containing portion being attached to an image forming apparatus; a closing member, when the powder containing portion is attached to the image forming apparatus, whose movement is regulated by striking against a regulation member provided to the image forming apparatus to relatively move against the powder containing portion to open the opening, and the closing member, when the powder containing portion is detached from the image forming apparatus, whose movement is regulated by moving and making contact with the image forming apparatus to relatively move against the powder containing portion to close the opening; and a moving portion that moves the regulation member when the powder containing portion is detached from the image forming apparatus.