Toner Cartridge Filter Partition for Pressure Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently replenishing toner in developer containers, leading to interruptions in printing processes.
Innovation Solution
The development of a toner cartridge system that includes a toner container, an air chamber, and a filter, where air is used to fluidize the toner and facilitate its conveyance to the developer container through a supply pipe, ensuring continuous toner supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a toner replenishment system is implemented, then continuous printing is enabled, but pressure buildup occurs in the developer container
Solution Approach 1:
A pressure equalization hole is provided in the developer container to serve as an intermediary pathway for pressure relief. This hole allows air to pass through and equalize pressure between the interior and exterior of the container, preventing harmful pressure buildup while maintaining the continuous toner replenishment function
Solution Approach 2:
A filter is installed at the toner supply port that allows toner particles to pass through while permitting air flow for pressure equalization. The porous structure of the filter enables selective passage of materials based on particle size, maintaining both replenishment functionality and pressure balance
2Productivity
If air is used to convey toner, then toner supply efficiency is improved, but toner may be lost through air leakage
Solution Approach 1:
A filter with controlled porosity is installed at the toner supply port. This filter allows air to pass through freely for pressure equalization and efficient toner conveyance, while its pore structure is designed to capture and retain toner particles, preventing them from escaping with the air flow
Solution Approach 2:
The air flow that could potentially carry away toner particles is converted into a beneficial force by using it to fluidize and move toner efficiently through the supply pipe, while the filter captures any particles that might escape, turning a potential loss mechanism into an efficient transport mechanism
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 solution ensures uninterrupted printing by maintaining a consistent toner supply, reducing the need for frequent replacements, and minimizing pressure buildup in the developer container.
Implementation Method 1
air is used to fluidize the toner and facilitate its conveyance to the developer container through a supply pipe
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A
AI summary
A cartridge (430Y, 530Y, 630Y, 730Y, 830Y) includes a first container (430Yb, 530Yb, 630Yb, 730Yb, 830Yb), a filter (83Y, 483Y, 583Y, 683Y, 783Y, 838Y) including a partition (583Yd, 683Yd, 783Yd, 883Yd) between the first and second chambers, a second container (430Ya, 530Ya, 630Ya, 730Ya, 830Ya), and a pipe (85Y, 685Y, 785Y). With a direction in which the first and second containers align defined as a first direction (G), a longitudinal direction of the second container defined as a second direction (Y1), and a short direction of the second container defined as a third direction (X1), when the cartridge is oriented in a direction in which the second chamber is above the first chamber, the partition inclines downward toward a predetermined region of the filter in the first direction, when viewed in the third direction, and the partition extends in the third direction over the entire region in the third direction.