Powder Collection Container Shutter Mechanism for Leakage Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing powder collection containers in image forming apparatuses face challenges in preventing powder leakage during transportation due to vibrations or impacts, with conventional leakage prevention methods being inefficient and difficult to operate effectively.
Innovation Solution
A powder collection container with a moving member that can be positioned to either open or close the discharge port, ensuring the port remains closed during transportation to prevent leakage, and easily opens during operation, improving operational efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a leakage prevention sheet is attached to the discharge port to seal it during transportation, then powder leakage is prevented, but the operability deteriorates and the sealing may be insufficient under vibration or impact
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter member is designed to be movable between an open position (for normal operation) and a closed position (for transportation). This dynamic mechanism allows the system to adapt to different operational states, providing reliable sealing during transportation while maintaining ease of operation through simple position switching between open and closed states
Solution Approach 2:
The moving member automatically controls the shutter member's position based on whether the powder collection container is being operated or transported. During transportation, the moving member positions itself to close the discharge port without requiring manual intervention, while during operation, it automatically opens the port, eliminating the need for separate sealing operations
2Reliability
If the conveyance screw rotation is stopped during operation stop, then powder may leak from the discharge port to the powder collection container via gap in the conveyance member due to vibration or impact during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter member is positioned in advance to close the discharge port before transportation begins, preventing powder leakage proactively. This preliminary protective action eliminates the need for complex anti-leakage mechanisms during transport, as the discharge port is sealed beforehand
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter member is extracted as a separate, dedicated component specifically for controlling the discharge port. This isolated element handles the sealing function independently from the conveyance screw and other components, simplifying the overall system while ensuring reliable powder containment during transportation
3Productivity
If the shutter member is opened to accommodate powder during operation, then powder collection is enabled, but powder leakage occurs during transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter member dynamically changes position based on operational requirements: open during powder collection to enable productivity, and closed during transportation to prevent leakage from vibration and impact. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between collection efficiency and transport safety
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter member serves multiple functions: it enables powder collection by opening the discharge port during operation, and prevents leakage by closing the discharge port during transportation. This multi-functionality allows a single component to address both productivity and harmful factor prevention
Data Source
AI summary
A powder collection container accommodates a powder discharged from a discharge port of a powder discharge device including a powder discharger provided with a shutter member that opens and closes the discharge port. The powder collection container includes a moving member that is movable between a first position where the moving member abuts against the shutter member to open the discharge port of the powder discharge device, and a second position where the moving member does not abut against the shutter member and the discharge port of the powder discharge device is not opened.