Toner Cartridge Segmented Screw Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Toner cartridges experience deteriorated toner flowability and aggregation when left unused for long periods, leading to poor discharge performance and potential solidification, especially with modern toners that have improved low-temperature fixing properties but reduced preservation stability.
Innovation Solution
A toner cartridge design featuring a toner stirrer that rotates parallel to the toner transport screw and is initially positioned to cover the screw, creating a closed space that separates from the main toner space, allowing toner to flow only when the stirrer rotates, preventing premature aggregation and ensuring smooth discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If modern toner with improved low-temperature fixing properties is used, then fixing performance is improved, but preservation stability deteriorates and toner aggregation occurs more easily during storage
Solution Approach 1:
The internal space of the toner cartridge is divided into a closed space surrounding the screw shaft and a remaining space for toner storage. This segmentation prevents toner from contacting the screw shaft during storage, isolating the toner in the remaining space while maintaining the structural integrity of the cartridge.
Solution Approach 2:
The toner stirrer is pre-positioned to cover the screw shaft before the cartridge is used, creating a closed space that prevents toner aggregation around the screw during storage. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the cartridge is first used, the toner has not aggregated and can be discharged smoothly.
2Ease of operation
If a toner cartridge is left unused for a long time with the outlet facing down, then storage convenience is improved, but toner flowability deteriorates and aggregation occurs around the outlet
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge interior is segmented into a closed space around the screw and a remaining toner space, preventing toner from flowing to and aggregating around the screw shaft during storage in any orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The toner stirrer acts as an intermediary structure that covers the screw shaft and prevents direct contact between toner and the screw during storage, eliminating the aggregation problem at the outlet.
3Productivity
If the screw is rotated for toner supply after long storage, then toner discharge is attempted, but the pressure causes solidification and the driving portion becomes immovable
Solution Approach 1:
The toner stirrer is pre-positioned to cover the screw shaft before use, creating a protective closed space that prevents toner from pressing against the screw during storage. This preliminary protection ensures the screw remains free of aggregated toner that would cause solidification and immobility.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the internal space to isolate the screw shaft from toner during storage, the invention prevents the pressure and aggregation that would otherwise cause solidification and render the driving portion immovable.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the toner blocking member covers the screw shaft to prevent aggregation, then toner aggregation is reduced, but toner discharge may be hindered if the blocking member is not properly positioned
Solution Approach 1:
The toner stirrer is designed to be rotatable, transitioning from a static blocking position during storage to a rotated position during use. This dynamic design allows the same component to serve dual functions: preventing aggregation during storage and allowing discharge during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The toner stirrer is pre-positioned to cover the screw shaft in the default state, providing immediate protection against aggregation upon storage without requiring additional setup or activation.
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 configuration maintains toner flowability and prevents aggregation, ensuring successful first-time discharge without solidification, even after long storage, and is compatible with image forming apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
The toner stirrer is configured to rotate and stir the toner in the cartridge body
Implementation Method 2
The stirred toner is to be transported by the toner transport screw to an outlet through which the toner is discharged from the cartridge body
Data Source
AI summary
A toner cartridge includes a screw configured to send stirred toner to an outlet through which the toner is discharged. The toner cartridge includes a partition between the screw and a toner stirrer. The toner stirrer at a default position is in contact with a top of the partition and covers the screw from above to define a closed space around the screw. The closed space is separate from a remaining space having the toner therein. The closed space is in communication with the remaining space when the toner stirrer rotates from the default position to be away from the toner transport screw, enabling the toner to move toward the toner transport screw.