Shutter Mechanism for Toner Collection Container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses require locking components to keep collection containers fixed in position, which complicates the installation and removal process, and are prone to accidental ejection due to the pressure generated by shutters, especially when the collection container is full and heavy.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus employs a shutter mechanism with a spiral rib and a low reaction force rib, allowing the collection container to be connected and disconnected without external fixing components, where the spiral rib rotates the shutter to open against the spring force, and the low reaction force rib ensures the container remains in place using static friction, reducing the force needed for insertion and extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If locking components are used to keep the collection container fixed in position, then the container remains stable in the housing, but the installation and removal process becomes complicated and the device structure is more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the locking components entirely from the system. Instead of using locks or fixtures to secure the collection container, the design relies on the shutter mechanism's spring pressure and friction between the container and housing to maintain stability during operation, while allowing easy removal when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The collection container serves its own stabilizing function through the interaction of the shutter spring pressure and friction forces. The system uses the inherent mechanical properties of the shutter mechanism and container-housing interface to maintain stability without requiring separate locking components.
2Reliability
If locking components are used to fix the collection container, then accidental ejection is prevented, but the number of parts increases and operation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates locking components from the system, relying instead on the shutter spring pressure and friction between the container and housing to prevent accidental ejection. This reduces the number of parts and simplifies the operation of installing and removing the container.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the inherent mechanical forces from the shutter mechanism and friction at the container-housing interface to prevent accidental ejection, without requiring separate locking or securing operations by the user.
3Reliability
If the shutter is pressed by a strong spring to keep it closed, then toner leakage is prevented, but the collection container is pushed out of the housing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes locking components that would otherwise be needed to counteract the spring pressure. The system allows the spring to press the shutter closed for toner leakage prevention, while the container can be easily removed by overcoming the spring force without additional locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the friction parameter between the collection container and housing to an appropriate level. This friction is sufficient to prevent accidental ejection under normal spring pressure, but can be easily overcome when intentional removal is needed, balancing toner leakage prevention with ease of operation.
4Device complexity
If the shutter rotation angle is limited to a small range, then the mechanism is simpler, but the shutter cannot open fully against the spring force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a spiral rib geometry on the shutter that provides a curved, progressive path for the lever during rotation. This spiral configuration allows the shutter to rotate through a larger angle against the spring force in a controlled manner, improving opening capability while maintaining mechanism simplicity.
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
This design allows for easy installation and removal of the collection container without external fixing components, reduces the risk of accidental ejection, and maintains the container in position using static friction, enhancing operational simplicity and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the shutter is under the pressure generated by a spring in the direction to keep the conveying section closed
Implementation Method 2
as the collection box 2 is inserted into the housing of the image forming apparatus, a tilted surface 11 with which the collection box 2 is provided, causes the lever 28, with which the shutter is provided, to move in the direction to rotate the shutter
Implementation Method 3
maintains the container in position using static friction
Data Source
AI summary
In an image forming apparatus that includes a collection container for collected toner, the collection container is not easily pushed back by a reaction force against a closing force of a shutter provided in a feeding portion for the collected toner. A spiral rib guides a contact rib to move the sealing shutter in a direction of opening a transfer opening against an urging force of a twisted coil spring in the process of connecting a collected toner box to a feeding pipe. A low reaction force area guides the contact rib after the spiral rib in the process of connecting the collected toner box to the feeding pipe. An inclination angle of the low reaction force area relative to the direction of connecting the collected toner box is less than an inclination angle of the spiral rib relative to the direction of connection of the collected toner box.