Toner Container Recessed Portion for Electronic Data Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing toner containers face challenges in easy reuse and recycling due to the interference of electronic data storage with toner conveyance and the risk of damage during handling, leading to inefficiencies in toner discharge and retention.

Innovation Solution

A toner container design featuring a cylindrical body with a recessed portion that projects inwardly by 5 mm or less, allowing for smooth toner conveyance while securely mounting an electronic data storage unit using restriction members to prevent damage and facilitate easy detachment for recycling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electronic data storage is fixedly mounted on the toner container by gluing or thermal welding, then the electronic data storage is securely attached, but it takes a great deal of time and effort to separate the electronic data storage from the toner container for recycling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidseparation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic data storage is separated into an independent component that can be detached from the container body. The mounting section provides a structured interface that allows the electronic data storage to be mounted securely during use but separated easily for recycling, dividing the system into detachable segments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design facilitates the recovery and reuse of the electronic data storage component. By providing a detachable mounting mechanism, the electronic data storage can be recovered from used containers and transferred to recycled containers, reducing waste and enabling component reuse.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

2Reliability

If electronic data storage is installed on the shutter member on the outer circumferential surface, then the electronic data storage is protected from damage, but it interferes with toner conveyance and increases toner retention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from damageVSAvoidtoner conveyance efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic data storage is positioned in a recessed portion that creates a localized three-dimensional space on the outer circumferential surface. This recessed mounting approach allows the electronic data storage to be protected while minimizing its projection into the toner conveyance path, reducing interference compared to surface-level mounting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If a recessed portion projects inward into the interior of the toner container, then the electronic data storage is protected from damage, but it causes clogging of toner and increases toner retention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from damageVSAvoidtoner retention amount

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The depth of the recessed portion is controlled to be within a specific range (5 mm or less from the outer surface). By optimizing this dimensional parameter, the design provides sufficient protection for the electronic data storage while minimizing the volume of the recessed portion that could trap toner, balancing protection needs with toner conveyance efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of operation

If the electronic data storage is mounted on the container body, then it is easily accessible, but it is at risk of breaking during handling and transport

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidresistance to damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The recessed portion acts as a protective cushioning structure for the electronic data storage. By creating a recessed mounting space beforehand, the design provides structural protection that absorbs impacts and prevents direct contact between the electronic data storage and external objects during handling and transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS9529303B2Toner container and manufacturing method for toner container

Publication Date: 2016.12.27 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

A toner container includes a cylindrical container body, having a first opening in a first end thereof and a notch in a circumferential surface thereof continuous with the first opening in the first end, a flange member to engage the first opening and the notch in the container body and having a toner outlet therein through which toner in the container body is discharged, a shutter member disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the container body, a conveyance member, rotatably installed inside the container body to convey the toner from a second end of the container body opposite the first end to the toner outlet in the flange member, and a recessed portion in the container body that projects inward into the interior of the toner container 5 mm or less from an inner surface of the container body.