Powder Container Transport Member for Stable Discharge
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing powder accommodation containers in image forming apparatuses face issues with powder clogging, uneven powder distribution, and inefficient discharge due to the design of the hole portions and lack of effective regulation mechanisms, leading to instability in powder supply and potential image quality deterioration.
Innovation Solution
A powder accommodation container design featuring a rotating transport member with a flexible end that contacts the container body, a regulation member to manage powder passage, and a projection portion to reduce the load on the flexible member, ensuring smooth powder discharge and stable supply by regulating the passage and preventing clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the flexible member is positioned to face the hole portion, then powder attachment to the regulation member is reduced, but the flexible member is subject to bending loads
Solution Approach 1:
The projection portion acts as an intermediary element between the flexible member and the regulation member. It provides a contact point that redirects the bending load away from the flexible member, reducing stress while maintaining the powder discharge stability achieved by positioning the flexible member to face the hole portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The projection portion is positioned in advance to intercept and reduce the bending load on the flexible member before excessive stress can accumulate. This preventive structure cushioning protects the flexible member from damage while allowing it to maintain its optimal position for reliable powder discharge.
2Reliability
If the regulation member is provided on the inner surface side of the hole portion, then hole portion clogging is reduced, but powder distribution uniformity may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The regulation member is positioned specifically on the inner surface side of the hole portion, creating a localized control zone for powder flow. This local regulation prevents clogging at the critical discharge point while allowing the rest of the powder accommodation space to maintain uniform distribution through the transport member's rotation.
3Reliability
If the flexible member contacts the accommodation container body, then powder attachment is reduced, but the flexible member experiences excessive bending
Solution Approach 1:
The projection portion serves as a mediator that intercepts the bending stress before it fully transfers to the flexible member. It provides a structural support point that reduces the moment arm of the bending force while allowing the flexible member to maintain its contact with the accommodation container body for effective powder flow regulation.
Data Source
AI summary
A powder accommodation container includes an accommodation container body, a regulation member, and a transport member. The accommodation container body has a hole portion to outside and accommodates powder. The regulation member is provided in the hole portion to regulate a passage of the powder accommodated in the accommodation container body. The transport member is arranged in an inside of the accommodation container body to rotate about a rotating shaft and to transport the powder in the inside of the accommodation container body. The transport member has one end side in a short direction that is arranged on the rotating shaft and the other end side that is a free end, the free end includes a flexible member that is in contact with the accommodation container body to be flexed. The flexible member is locatable to face the hole portion.