Image Forming Apparatus Stopper With Groove Matching for Toner Containers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses face issues with incompatible toner containers being mistakenly inserted, leading to potential deformation of components and improper functioning.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus incorporates a stopper mechanism with blocking projections and a metal plate component to ensure only compatible toner containers are inserted, utilizing a key with specific groove matching to prevent misalignment and deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a blocking projection is provided to prevent incompatible units from being inserted, then the reliability of the apparatus is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of incompatible unit insertionVSAvoidstructure of stopper mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stopper is integrated into the insertion cover as a unified component, combining the blocking projection and contact structure into a single piece that prevents incompatible units from being inserted while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The stopper acts as an intermediary element between the insertion cover and the detachable unit, using its blocking projection to physically prevent incompatible units from being inserted into the apparatus body

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If the blocking projection is made resilient to prevent deformation, then the strength of the projection is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional resilient elements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresilience of blocking projectionVSAvoidstructure of resilient stopper

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The material of the stopper is selected to have appropriate resilience and elasticity, allowing the blocking projection to deform slightly during insertion of compatible units while maintaining structural integrity and preventing incompatible unit insertion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient nature of the stopper provides beforehand cushioning by allowing controlled deformation during the insertion process, preventing excessive force that could cause breakage while maintaining the blocking function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of manufacture

If the stopper structure is simplified, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability of preventing incompatible insertion may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing of stopper componentVSAvoideffectiveness of blocking projection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The stopper is designed as a separate, detachable component from the insertion cover, allowing it to be manufactured independently using simple molding processes while maintaining its blocking function through its geometric shape and material properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12393156B2Image forming apparatus with a stopper to block insertion of a toner container

Publication Date: 2025.08.19 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body, a detachable unit detachably attached to the apparatus body, a metal plate component, an insertion cover, and a stopper. The insertion cover has an insertion opening into which the detachable unit is insertable in an insertion direction. The stopper includes a blocking projection and a contact. The blocking projection is inside the insertion opening of the insertion cover. The blocking projection has a shape that matches with a groove of the detachable unit compatible with the apparatus body and does not match with a groove of the detachable unit incompatible with the apparatus body. The contact contacts the metal plate component in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction.