Dynamic Seal Compression for Toner Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
When the toner containing portion of a developing device is moved in one direction to be installed on the side of a main body, there is a risk of defects such as peeling of the seal member provided between the discharge port and the collection port, especially when the discharge and collection ports are oriented in a direction intersecting with the movement direction.
Innovation Solution
A toner collection device is designed with a seal member that is compressed to enhance sealing between the discharge port and the collection port, and a mechanism that increases the compression amount of the seal member as the toner containing portion moves in the one direction, thereby reducing the risk of toner scattering and seal member defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the discharge port and collection port are provided in a direction intersecting with the movement direction of the toner containing portion, then the toner can be discharged to the main body side, but the seal member may peel during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The seal member is designed to dynamically change its compression state during the movement process. As the toner containing portion moves from the removed state to the installed state, the seal member transitions from a less compressed state to a highly compressed state, adapting to the changing positional relationship between the discharge port and collection port to maintain sealing integrity throughout the movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal member is pre-configured with a structure that anticipates the movement and compression needs. The elastic portion is designed to be progressively compressed during movement, creating a preliminary sealing effect that prevents toner scattering even before the final installed position is reached, ensuring sealing reliability throughout the entire movement process.
2Reliability
If the seal member is compressed to increase sealing property, then toner scattering is suppressed, but the seal member may peel during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The seal member employs a dynamic compression design where the compression amount is not fixed but varies during movement. The elastic portion is designed to be gradually compressed as the toner containing portion moves, allowing the seal to adapt its sealing force to the movement stage, maintaining high sealing property while distributing mechanical stress to prevent peeling.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the seal member changes during movement, specifically the compression amount parameter. The seal member transitions from a lower compression state during movement to a higher compression state when installed, optimizing both sealing property and durability by adjusting the compression parameter according to the operational stage.
3Volume of moving object
If the toner containing portion is moved to be installed on the main body side, then the system is compact, but the seal member may defect during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The seal member is designed with dynamic compression characteristics that adapt to the movement process. As the toner containing portion moves toward the main body for compact installation, the seal member is progressively compressed, maintaining sealing integrity throughout the movement and ensuring reliable toner containment in the final compact configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic portion of the seal member acts as a cushioning element that is pre-designed to absorb and distribute the mechanical stresses encountered during movement. This preliminary cushioning design prevents defects by accommodating the dynamic loads and positional changes that occur during the movement and installation process.
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
The increased compression of the seal member effectively suppresses toner scattering and reduces the likelihood of seal member peeling during the movement and installation process, ensuring reliable toner collection and extending the lifespan of the seal member.
Implementation Method 1
a seal member that is provided between the discharge port and the collection port and is compressed to increase a sealing property of a connection portion between the discharge port and the collection port
Data Source
AI summary
A toner collection device includes a toner containing portion that is moved in one direction to be installed on a side of a main body and includes a discharge port that discharges toner in an intersecting direction that intersects with the one direction, a toner collection portion that is provided on the side of the main body and collects toner via a collection port opposed to the discharge port of the toner containing portion moved in the one direction, a seal member that is provided between the discharge port and the collection port and is compressed to increase a sealing property of a connection portion between the discharge port and the collection port and suppress scattering of the toner to outside, and a mechanism that increases a compression amount of the seal member along with movement of the toner containing portion in the one direction.