Toner Container Identification Integrated with Pressing Chips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toner containers lack compatibility assurance, risking mechanical failures when used with incompatible image forming apparatuses, as they can be inadvertently attached due to removable identification features that may be partially or entirely removed.
Innovation Solution
A toner container design featuring a hollow cylindrical body with a cap and ring-shaped seal member, where the toner container identification is integrally joined to pressing chips that pressure-seal the cap, preventing attachment to non-compatible apparatuses by ensuring the seal member cannot be pressure-sealed without the identification, thus preventing toner leakage and mechanical failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a toner container identification protrudes outward from the outer surface of the circumferential wall, then the toner container cannot be attached to incompatible image forming apparatuses, but the identification may be partially or entirely removed, allowing attachment to incompatible apparatuses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the toner container identification with the pressing chip structure, making them a single unified component. The identification is formed as a protrusion on the pressing chip that presses against the container body, so that the identification and the sealing function are merged into one element. This prevents removal of the identification while maintaining the sealing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification is formed in advance as an integral part of the pressing chip during manufacturing. By pre-forming the identification as a protrusion on the pressing chip, the system ensures that the identification cannot be separately removed without damaging the pressing chip itself, thus maintaining compatibility assurance throughout the product lifecycle.
2Reliability
If the seal member is pressure-sealed to the pressure-seal portion, then toner leakage is prevented, but the seal member cannot be sealed without the pressing chips latching with the container body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sealing function and the identification function into a single integrated structure. The pressing chip with its protrusion performs both the sealing action (pressing the seal member) and the identification function (providing a latchable feature). This reduces overall system complexity while maintaining reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing chip structure automatically performs the sealing function when it latches with the container body. The act of latching itself activates the sealing mechanism through the protrusion pressing against the container body, eliminating the need for separate sealing actuators or complex control systems.
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
Ensures the toner container can only be attached to compatible image forming apparatuses, preventing mechanical failures and ensuring proper toner supply, thus maintaining the development unit's functionality and preventing contamination within the apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a ring-shaped seal member that is disposed along an outer circumference of the container body opening and forms a seal between the container body and the cap
Implementation Method 2
one or more pressing chips that (a) are respectively formed in different areas of a circumferential wall of the cap and (b) due to the cap being engaged with the container body, latch with the container body in such a manner that a front edge of each of the pressing chips applies pressure to the container body to cause the seal member to be pressure-sealed to the pressure-seal portion
Implementation Method 3
a hollow cylindrical cap that has a cap opening in one end thereof and is rotatably engaged with the container body by the one end of the container body being inserted into the cap opening
Data Source
AI summary
A hollow cylindrical cap is rotatably attached to a container body opening provided in one end of a hollow cylindrical container body. A seal member around the container body opening forms a seal between the container body and the cap. Once the cap is attached to the container body, pressing chips are circumferentially slidably engaged with a flange, and the seal member is pressure-sealed to a pressure-seal portion. A toner container identification is contiguous with the rear edge of one of the pressing chips. The toner container identification is formed by denting one part of the cap so its outer surface radially protrudes outward, and has a predetermined cross-section.