Developer Storage Container Shutter Concave Portion Toner Scattering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Toner scattering and contamination occur when the toner cartridge is detached from the image forming unit, as toner adheres to the shutter and scatters outside, contaminating surrounding components.

Innovation Solution

A developer storage container with a shutter featuring a concave portion that faces the opening when closed, preventing toner from adhering to the shutter's outer surface and ensuring continuous space for containment, thus preventing scattering and contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a shutter is provided to close the opening of the toner cartridge, then the toner can be contained within the cartridge, but toner adheres to the shutter and scatters when the cartridge is detached

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetoner containmentVSAvoidtoner scattering and contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the problematic feature (outer surface of the shutter) and removes it from the toner-containing space. By forming a concave portion on the shutter that faces the opening, the design eliminates the flat outer surface where toner could adhere, thereby preventing toner scattering when the cartridge is detached.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new spatial dimension by forming a concave portion on the shutter. This concave portion creates a three-dimensional structure that redirects toner flow away from the shutter's outer surface, preventing toner adhesion and subsequent scattering during cartridge detachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the shutter is rotated to close the opening, then the opening is sealed, but toner adhering to the receiving opening transfers to the shutter's outer surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveopening closureVSAvoidtoner transfer and adhesion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the problematic outer surface of the shutter from the toner transfer path by forming a concave portion. This design extraction prevents toner from the receiving opening from adhering to the shutter during the closing rotation, eliminating the toner transfer issue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The concave portion acts as an intermediary structure between the receiving opening and the shutter's outer surface. It provides a transition zone that prevents direct contact between toner and the outer surface, thereby mediating and preventing toner adhesion during shutter closure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2610685B1Developer storage container, image forming unit and image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2020.06.17 OKI DATA CORP

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AI summary

A developer storage container includes a storage portion for storing a developer therein, an opening for ejecting the developer stored in the storage portion, and an opening-and-closing member (42) for opening and closing the opening. A concave portion (D) is formed on the opening-and-closing member so that the concave portion faces the opening.