Shutter Mechanism for Toner Containers with Retractible Joint Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shutter opening/closing mechanisms for toner containers in image forming apparatuses experience increased resistance during insertion and require oblique removal, making the process cumbersome and prone to toner scattering.
Innovation Solution
A shutter opening/closing mechanism featuring a rotary member, joint member, and coupling member that allows smooth mounting and detachment by rotating the joint member between advanced and retracted positions, eliminating the need for oblique insertion and ensuring the toner supply port is properly closed during detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the joint member is pushed and retracted by the inclined surface of the coupling member during insertion, then the joint member can be temporarily retracted to the side opposite to the biasing direction, but resistance increases when the toner container is inserted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the inclined surface that causes resistance from the coupling member structure. Instead of using an inclined surface to push the joint member, the design allows the joint member to be directly engaged with the coupling member without such inclined surfaces, thereby eliminating the source of insertion resistance while maintaining the retraction function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by making the joint member retractable through a different mechanism. Rather than using the inclined surface to push the joint member backward, the design allows the joint member to be pulled back by the spring force itself, with the coupling member simply providing the engagement interface without active pushing.
2Reliability
If the joint member is connected to the coupling member during insertion, then the toner supply port can be closed, but the toner container cannot be pulled out straight and requires oblique pulling with rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the joint member movable between engaged and disengaged states. The joint member can dynamically transition from being connected to the coupling member (for closure) to being disconnected (for removal), allowing the system to adapt its state based on the operational requirement - closing the port during insertion but enabling straight removal during detachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the engagement function from the closure function. The joint member can be engaged with the coupling member to enable closure, but this engagement can be selectively disengaged to allow straight removal. This segmentation allows independent control of closure and removal operations, eliminating the need for oblique pulling.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the joint member is held in contact with the chamfer of the coupling member, then the joint member can be pushed and retracted, but the structure becomes complex and prone to resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the chamfer (inclined surface) from the coupling member structure entirely. Instead of relying on a chamfer to push the joint member, the design uses the spring force directly to retract the joint member, with the coupling member providing only the engagement interface. This extraction of the chamfer simplifies the structure while maintaining retraction capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by allowing the spring to automatically retract the joint member without requiring external pushing forces or complex inclined surfaces. The joint member is designed to be pulled back by its own spring force when disengaged from the coupling member, eliminating the need for chamfers or other active pushing mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A joint member moves forward and backward between an advanced position and a retracted position according to the rotation of a rotary member when a cover is opened and closed between an open state and a half open state, and rotates at the advanced position according to the rotation of the rotary member when the cover is opened and closed between the half open state and a closed state. A coupling member is engaged with the joint member when the joint member is at the advanced position while being disengaged from the joint member when the joint member is at the retracted position. The coupling member opens and closes a toner supply port by rotating according to the rotation of the joint member engaged therewith at the advanced position.