Pump-less Toner Dispenser with Regulated Air Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional toner dispensing systems face inaccuracies due to human error in manual mixing, wear of pumps, and contamination issues with conventional motorized dispensers, which lead to inconsistent and precise amount dispensing challenges.
Innovation Solution
A toner dispensing system with a cap and valve assembly that includes a movable valve, air inlet path, and a control assembly for precise toner dispensing, utilizing a scale for measurement and regulated air supply to control the flow rate, and an anti-drip cap to prevent contamination and curing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional motorized toner dispensers use pumps to control toner flow, then toner can be dispensed automatically, but the pumps require periodic calibration and maintenance due to wear from abrasive pigments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the pump mechanism entirely from the system. Instead of using a motorized pump to control toner flow, the invention uses a valve assembly that opens and closes to control air pressure, which in turn controls toner flow. This extraction of the pump eliminates the wear and calibration issues associated with motorized pumping systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pump system with a pneumatic system using air pressure control. The valve assembly controls air pressure to regulate toner flow, substituting the mechanical pumping action with a pneumatic control mechanism that avoids the wear problems of motorized pumps.
2Ease of operation
If conventional spouts are used for toner dispensing, then toner can be poured, but the spouts are poorly sealed leading to dripping and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the conventional spout design entirely and replaces it with a valve assembly that provides positive sealing. The valve assembly includes sealing mechanisms that prevent dripping and contamination, eliminating the sealing problems inherent in conventional spout designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a valve assembly as an intermediary control mechanism between the toner container and the dispensing point. This valve assembly provides controlled opening and closing with reliable sealing, mediating the toner flow to prevent both dripping and contamination issues associated with direct spout designs.
3Device complexity
If manual pouring is used to dispense toner, then no mechanical components are needed, but human error leads to inaccurate pours
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-regulating system where the valve assembly automatically opens and closes based on air pressure control. The system self-regulates toner flow without requiring manual intervention, eliminating human error in pouring while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through the use of pneumatic control.
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 achieves high accuracy in dispensing precise amounts of toner by using closed-loop signals from an electronic scale and regulated air supply, preventing drips and contamination, and directing toner flow from the bottom of the container to avoid curing.
Implementation Method 1
the air pressure of the toner container determines the flow rate of toner through the toner path
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for dispensing toners. In one aspect, a toner dispensing system includes a toner container; a cap and valve assembly coupled to the toner container, the cap and value assembly including: a movable valve assembly, the movable valve assembly having a first position and a second position, a toner path, and an air inlet path, where in a first valve assembly position the toner path and the air inlet path are closed, and in a second valve assembly position the toner path and the air inlet path are open; an air assembly including a first air supply coupled to the air path of the cap and valve assembly and a second regulated air supply coupled to the toner container; and a control assembly for controlling the second air supply.