Rotating Toner Port Switch for Smooth Container Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toner container structures are complex, prone to deformation, and can cause jamming during installation and removal, potentially damaging the machine and affecting print quality.
Innovation Solution
A switch device for a toner port comprising a base, rotating block, and driving sliding plate that rotates to open and close the toner outlet, with a connecting rod and return spring for smooth operation and automatic closure upon removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the toner port structure uses many slender plastic parts, then the structure can achieve complex opening and closing functions, but the slender parts are prone to deformation during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and material properties by introducing a compressed sealing cotton piece that transforms from a compressed state to an expanded state during operation. This parameter change allows the sealing cotton to adapt to different operational states (open/closed) while maintaining structural stability, avoiding the deformation issues of slender plastic parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining rigid components (base, rotating block, driving sliding plate) with a flexible sealing material (compressed sealing cotton piece). This composite approach allows the rigid parts to provide structural stability while the flexible cotton piece provides the necessary deformation capability for sealing and opening functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the toner port structure is complex, then the opening and closing function is achieved, but the structure may cause jamming during installation and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sealing function from the mechanical moving parts by using a separate compressed sealing cotton piece. This separation allows the main mechanical structure (rotating block and driving sliding plate) to focus on the opening and closing function while the sealing cotton handles the sealing task, reducing complexity and preventing jamming during installation and removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic elements including the rotating block that can rotate between positions and the compressed sealing cotton piece that expands and contracts. These dynamic components enable smooth transition between open and closed states without causing jamming, while maintaining the opening and closing function.
3Reliability
If the switch slider cannot be restored to its original position, then the abnormal state occurs, but users do not know the operating principle and may force installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through the return spring that automatically restores the driving sliding plate to its original position after the toner container is removed. This automatic restoration mechanism ensures the switch slider returns to its initial state without user intervention, preventing abnormal states and eliminating the risk of forced installation damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The return spring provides beforehand cushioning by being pre-loaded to ensure automatic restoration of the driving sliding plate. This pre-prepared restoring force prevents the switch slider from remaining in abnormal positions, cushioning against potential forced installation scenarios before they can occur.
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
Ensures smooth installation and protection of the internal machine structure, simplifies production, and reduces failure rates while maintaining print quality.
Implementation Method 1
a return spring, which is arranged between a second spring holding plate of the driving sliding plate and a first spring holding plate of the base, and is compressed when the driving sliding plate slides
Data Source
AI summary
A switch device for a toner port of a toner container includes a base (1) for accommodating the toner container, the base (1) having a toner outlet (1-7); a rotating block (3) having a toner discharge channel (3-1), wherein the rotating block (3) is rotatably coupled to the base (1); and a driving sliding plate (6), which is able to drive the rotating block (3) to rotate. The toner port of the toner container is opened when the rotating block (3) rotates to a position where the toner discharge channel (3-1) communicates with the toner outlet (1-7), and the toner port of the toner container is closed when the toner discharge channel (3-1) does not communicate with the toner outlet (1-7). The switch device has a simple structure, is able to be smoothly installed, and protects the internal installation structure of the machine.