Reciprocating Rake Mechanism for Waste Toner Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face inefficiencies in waste toner collection, as residual toner often accumulates unevenly within the collection container, leading to suboptimal use of container volume and potential interference issues.
Innovation Solution
A waste particulate toner collection system featuring a reciprocating rake mechanism with transversely disposed tine members and a crank arm, powered by the image forming apparatus's motor, ensures even distribution of toner within the container, preventing accumulation in the middle or sides and maximizing container volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If waste toner is collected in a container without a distribution mechanism, then the collection process is simple, but the toner accumulates unevenly leading to suboptimal container volume utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a reciprocating rake mechanism that moves back and forth within the container. The rake is driven by a crank arm connected to a drive mechanism, creating periodic motion that actively distributes toner throughout the container volume, resolving the contradiction between simple collection and effective volume utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action through the reciprocating motion of the rake mechanism. The crank arm converts rotational motion into periodic linear reciprocation, causing the rake to oscillate and distribute toner repeatedly over time, thereby maximizing container utilization without requiring complex continuous motion systems.
2Productivity
If a separate power source is added to drive the distribution mechanism, then toner distribution improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing the distribution mechanism to be driven by the existing motor that operates the image forming apparatus. The same motor that drives the printing process also, through the crank arm mechanism, drives the rake to distribute toner, thereby achieving dual functionality without adding a separate power source.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies the self-service principle by using its own operational motor to simultaneously perform both the printing function and the toner distribution function. The distribution mechanism is self-powered through mechanical linkage from the existing drive system, eliminating the need for external power sources.
3Quantity of substance
If toner accumulates in the middle or sides of the container, then collection capacity appears sufficient, but overfilling occurs and causes interference issues
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic reciprocating motion of the rake continuously redistributes toner to prevent localized accumulation. By actively moving the rake back and forth, the system ensures uniform toner distribution throughout the container, preventing overfilling at specific locations and maintaining reliable operation.
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 distributes waste toner along the length of the container, allowing for maximum utilization of the container's volume and preventing overfilling, while eliminating the need for a separate power source, thus enhancing operational efficiency and preventing contamination.
Implementation Method 1
a crank arm attached at the first end of the spine member... a drive mechanism is operatively connected to the crank arm for imparting reciprocating movement to the device
Implementation Method 2
a first plurality of spaced apart raking tine members and on a second end a second plurality of spaced apart raking tine members disposed substantially transversely of the length of the spine member... movable in a reciprocating manner in a direction generally along the length of the device for spreading waste particulate toner within the container
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a waste particulate toner collection container system for an image forming apparatus that includes a waste particulate toner spreading device movably disposed within the container in a reciprocating manner generally along its length, the device including a spine member having on a first end a first plurality of spaced apart raking tine members and on a second end a second plurality of spaced apart raking tine members disposed substantially transversely of the length of the spine member, and a crank arm attached at the first end of the spine member. A post disposed on an inner wall of the container supports the device at a point along the length of the spine member between the first and second pluralities of raking tine members, and a drive mechanism is operatively connected to the crank arm for imparting reciprocating movement to the device.