Toner Container Sealing via Nested Gripping Part
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing toner containers for image forming apparatuses have a risk of the seal member being removed erroneously, leading to the toner being scattered due to improper operation, which compromises the containment of the toner.
Innovation Solution
A powder storage container design that incorporates a gripping part to enclose and seal the powder loading port, preventing accidental opening by using a sealing member that is securely engaged to prevent erroneous detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sealing member is provided to seal the powder loading port, then the powder storage container can be properly sealed, but the sealing member may be erroneously removed by user operation
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member is nested within the gripping part structure. The gripping part has an inner space that accommodates the sealing member, and the sealing member is positioned such that it is surrounded and protected by the gripping part's wall. This nesting arrangement prevents the sealing member from being easily removed or detached by user operation, as it is enclosed within the gripping part's structure rather than being externally attached.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping part is designed with different functional zones: an outer gripping surface for user handling, an inner space for accommodating the sealing member, and a wall structure that provides both structural support and protective enclosure. The local quality of the gripping part's wall - being both accessible for gripping and enclosing for protection - resolves the contradiction by providing different properties in different locations of the same component.
2Ease of operation
If the powder loading port is openly accessible for loading powder, then the operation is simple, but the toner stored inside is scattered out when the sealing member is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The powder loading port is enclosed by the gripping part's wall, creating a nested structure where the loading port is protected within the gripping part's inner space. This arrangement allows the loading port to remain accessible for powder loading while preventing toner scattering, as the gripping part's wall acts as a containment barrier that guides and controls the loading operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping part serves as an intermediary structure between the user's loading operation and the powder storage container. It provides a controlled interface for loading powder while preventing direct access that could lead to toner scattering. The gripping part mediates the loading process by enclosing the loading port and providing structural guidance.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a powder storage container capable of preventing erroneous opening of a powder loading port. The powder storage container includes a powder storage part (32Y2) configured to store a developer used for image forming, a powder discharge part (32Y1d) provided on one end part of the powder storage part to discharge the developer stored in the powder storage part, a gripping part (32Y1c) protruding through an end face of the one end part (32Y1) side of the powder storage part, a powder loading port (42) causing an inner space of the powder storage part and an outer portion of the powder storage part to communicate with each other, and a sealing member capable of sealing the powder loading port. The powder loading port is enclosed by the gripping part (32Y1c).