Pivotable Toner Container Handle for Low-Height Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of replacing toner containers in image forming devices is not intuitive, efficient, and requires complex system design, with existing handles occupying excessive vertical space, which complicates device miniaturization and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A pivotable handle system for toner containers that includes a front segment, rear segment, and side segments, allowing for easy installation and removal by contacting a pry surface within the device, with segments positioned to minimize overall height and require minimal user force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a traditional handle design is used for toner container removal, then the handle can be positioned on the top of the container, but this occupies excessive vertical space and complicates device miniaturization
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is repositioned from a vertical orientation (on top of the container) to a horizontal orientation (extending from the side of the container). This dimensional change allows the handle to be accessed from the side rather than from above, significantly reducing the vertical space requirement while maintaining ease of operation.
2Device complexity
If a simple removal mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the required removal force increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is designed to be movable relative to the toner container body, transitioning between a retracted position (when not in use) and an extended position (when removal is needed). This dynamic design allows the handle to provide mechanical leverage only when required, maintaining simplicity while reducing the force needed for removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle acts as an intermediary lever between the user's applied force and the toner container removal process. By extending the handle, the user can apply force at a greater distance from the pivot point, mechanically advantage reducing the direct removal force required while keeping the overall mechanism simple.
3Ease of operation
If the handle extends along the front of the body, then it can contact the pry surface for lifting, but the handle height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is divided into multiple segments (front segment, rear segment, side segments) that can be positioned at different heights and orientations. The front segment extends along the front of the body to contact the pry surface, while the rear segment extends along the rear for user actuation, with side segments connecting them. This segmentation allows each segment to be optimized for its specific function while minimizing overall height.
Data Source
AI summary
A toner container according to one example embodiment includes a pivotable handle. The handle includes a front segment extending along a front of a body of the toner container when the handle is in a first position for contacting a corresponding pry surface in an image forming device when the handle moves from the first position to a second position. The handle includes a rear segment extending along a rear of the body when the handle is in the first position permitting a user to actuate the rear segment to move the handle from the first position to the second position. The handle includes a first side segment extending along the first side of the body and a second side segment extending along the second side of the body. The first and second side segments connect the front segment and the rear segment.