Toner Detection Device Using Rotational Wheel and Resilient Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional toner detection systems in waste toner containers for electronic image-forming apparatuses face inaccuracies in detecting the fullness level due to local toner accumulation and require strict manufacturing parameter control, leading to potential toner leaks or false warnings, which increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A toner detection device comprising a rotational wheel, a transmission member, and a resilient member, where the transmission member is rotatable between two positions, with the resilient member providing a biasing force to accurately detect the toner level, reducing manufacturing complexity and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a transmission member with resilient locking portions and wedge-shaped projections is used to detect toner level, then the detection can trigger a warning signal, but the system becomes sensitive to manufacturing parameter variations causing false warnings or toner leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from a complex multi-force balance system to a simpler rotational resistance threshold system. By monitoring only the rotational resistance of the stirring shaft against a predetermined threshold, the system avoids the need to precisely control multiple manufacturing parameters (biasing force, friction force, locking portion deformation) while maintaining accurate toner level detection.
2Reliability
If the rotational resistance threshold is set high to overcome biasing and friction forces, then the detection is more reliable, but the system becomes overly sensitive to manufacturing variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential detection function from the complex force balance system. Instead of relying on the transmission member to overcome multiple forces (biasing force, locking portion deformation, friction force), the system directly monitors the rotational resistance of the stirring shaft. This extraction simplifies the detection mechanism to a single parameter (rotational resistance) while maintaining reliability.
3Measurement precision
If strict manufacturing parameter control is implemented to ensure uniform product quality, then detection accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the manufacturing requirement from strict control of multiple parameters (biasing force, friction force, locking portion dimensions) to control of a single parameter (rotational resistance threshold). This parameter change significantly eases manufacturing requirements while maintaining detection accuracy, as rotational resistance can be measured and controlled more easily than the individual forces involved in the transmission member mechanism.
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 system accurately detects the toner level, enhances structural stability, and reduces manufacturing costs by minimizing the impact of manufacturing parameter variations, ensuring reliable detection without strict control over manufacturing conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient member is disposed between the rotational wheel and the transmission member and has two ends abutted respectively against the first and second abutment portions in a way that the resilient member imparts a biasing force exerting on the transmission member towards the first position
Data Source
AI summary
A toner detection device of a waste toner container having a housing includes a rotational wheel, a transmission member and a resilient member. The rotational wheel is rotatably disposed to the housing and provided with a first abutment portion. The transmission member including a second abutment position is connected with the rotational wheel in a way that the transmission member is rotatable with the rotational wheel and moveable relative to the rotational wheel between a first position and a second position. Two ends of the resilient member are respectively abutted against the first and second abutment portions in a way that the second abutment portion approaches the first abutment portion and the transmission member is rotatable relative to the rotational wheel with the transmission member moving from the first position to the second position.