Print Material Agitator Coupled to Insertion Tab
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Solution Overview
Problem
Print material cartridges, such as toner cartridges, face issues with clumping due to factors like compaction, gravity, and humidity, leading to reduced flowability and potential print defects, sensor failures, and motor torque problems, which existing stirring methods may not adequately address without damaging the cartridge.
Innovation Solution
A print material cartridge with a reservoir and an agitator mechanism, including a lattice structure and shovel members, mechanically coupled to a tab via a gear system, that is activated upon insertion into a printing device to break up clumps and ensure even distribution of print material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual shaking is used to prevent clumping, then print material flowability is improved, but the cartridge may be damaged and print material may be discharged
Solution Approach 1:
The agitator is automatically activated by the insertion motion itself, without requiring separate user action. The tab engaged with the gear system converts the natural insertion movement into automated agitation, allowing the system to serve itself and eliminate the need for manual shaking that could damage the cartridge.
Solution Approach 2:
The gear system acts as an intermediary mechanism between the tab and the agitator. It translates the linear insertion motion into rotational motion of the agitator, providing a controlled mechanical transmission that prevents direct contact forces from damaging the cartridge while still achieving effective agitation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If vigorous stirring is used to break up clumps, then print material distribution is improved, but the cartridge may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The agitator provides dynamic, controlled agitation through rotational motion activated during insertion. This dynamic mechanism delivers sufficient mixing action to break up clumps and distribute print material evenly, while the controlled nature of the motion prevents excessive forces that could damage the cartridge structure.
3Device complexity
If no agitation is provided, then cartridge complexity is reduced, but print material clumping occurs leading to print defects
Solution Approach 1:
The agitation function is segmented into a separate, dedicated component (the agitator with lattice structure and shovel members) rather than being integrated into the main cartridge body. This segmentation allows the agitation mechanism to be added with minimal impact on overall cartridge complexity, while effectively preventing clumping and ensuring print quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The agitation mechanism activates automatically during the normal insertion process without requiring additional user actions or complex control systems. The tab-gear-agitator system self-activates, maintaining simple operation while providing necessary agitation to prevent print defects.
Data Source
AI summary
A print material cartridge (215) that includes a reservoir to maintain an amount of print material (Toner) therein; an agitator (230) formed within the reservoir to fragment clumps of print material present in the reservoir; and a tab (235) mechanically coupled to the agitator via a gear system (240), the tab extending out of a housing of the print material cartridge to activate the agitator as the print material cartridge is being interfaced with a printing device (205, 410).