Printer Toner Agitation Member and Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Toner cartridges in printers often suffer from uneven toner flow, leading to premature replacement due to inadequate agitation methods, which require human intervention or increased cartridge size with internal agitation mechanisms that still result in unused toner being left behind.
Innovation Solution
A printer system with a toner agitation member and actuator that engages the toner cartridge to agitate the toner, ensuring even distribution and utilization without the need for user intervention, utilizing an eccentric cam mechanism driven by a motor and clutch system to provide optimal toner flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If manual shaking of the toner cartridge is performed, then full toner yield can be achieved, but human intervention is required and toner spillage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The toner cartridge is equipped with an automatic agitation mechanism that operates without user intervention. The agitation member, driven by a motor through a clutch mechanism, automatically stirs the toner cartridge when needed, eliminating the need for manual shaking while ensuring full toner utilization.
2Ease of operation
If an internal agitation mechanism is provided in the toner cartridge, then automatic toner agitation is achieved, but the cartridge size increases and substantial toner remains unused
Solution Approach 1:
The agitation mechanism is extracted from the toner cartridge itself and placed in the printer body. The agitation member engages with the external surface of the toner cartridge, allowing the printer's internal mechanisms to perform the agitation function without requiring the cartridge to contain complex internal moving parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The agitation member creates mechanical vibration and stirring action on the toner cartridge surface. This vibration effectively agitates the toner inside the cartridge, ensuring even distribution and preventing toner from remaining unused at the bottom of the cartridge.
3Extent of automation
If the toner cartridge is made larger to accommodate internal agitation mechanisms, then automatic agitation is possible, but the cartridge occupies more space and may still leave toner unused
Solution Approach 1:
The agitation mechanism is extracted from the toner cartridge and relocated to the printer. This allows the printer to provide automatic agitation functionality without requiring the toner cartridge to be larger or contain internal mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The printer's actuator and clutch mechanisms, which serve multiple functions in the printer operation, are also utilized to drive the toner agitation function. This multi-functional use of existing components provides automatic agitation without adding dedicated mechanisms that would increase cartridge size.
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
The system effectively agitates toner within the cartridge, ensuring full yield without toner wastage and eliminating the need for manual shaking, thereby enhancing printer performance and reducing waste.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing an eccentric cam mechanism driven by a motor and clutch system to provide optimal toner flow
Implementation Method 2
the toner agitation member is operable to engage a surface of a toner cartridge when the toner cartridge is located in the toner cartridge coupling section
Data Source
AI summary
A printer includes a toner cartridge coupling section. A toner agitation member is located adjacent the toner cartridge coupling section and is operable to engage a surface of a toner cartridge when the toner cartridge is located in the toner cartridge coupling section. An actuator is operable to actuate the toner agitation member.