Toner Container Mount Recess for Shutter Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toner containers face issues with smooth installation and removal, as well as malfunctions due to misalignment and toner accumulation, particularly when using containers with handles and blow molding techniques, which can lead to incomplete toner discharge and increased size due to unnecessary space.
Innovation Solution
The design includes an insertion entrance with a projecting bottom wall and a recessed center portion to align the toner container correctly, preventing the shutter from hitting the bottom wall during insertion and ensuring proper toner outlet alignment, while also indicating the toner color to prevent incorrect installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the toner container is made larger to increase toner containing capacity, then the operational life of the toner container is extended, but the size of the image forming apparatus becomes bulkier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the orientation of the toner container from horizontal to vertical installation. The toner container is installed with its longitudinal axis extending in the vertical direction, allowing it to utilize the vertical space within the apparatus rather than horizontal space. This dimensional change enables increased toner capacity without increasing the horizontal footprint of the apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a cylindrical toner container with curved surfaces instead of angular rectangular shapes. The cylindrical form factor allows for more efficient space utilization and rotation, enabling the container to be compact while maintaining adequate toner capacity. The curved geometry optimizes the volume-to-surface-area ratio.
2Ease of operation
If the toner container is rotated for installation and removal, then ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components like handles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the handle component that was present in previous rotational toner container designs. Instead of providing a handle for user grip, the container relies on its cylindrical shape and friction fit within the mount for insertion and removal. This extraction of the handle simplifies the overall structure while maintaining operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The toner container is designed to be self-sufficient for installation and removal operations. The cylindrical container with its specific outer dimensions fits into a corresponding mount with friction engagement, allowing users to install and remove the container directly without requiring additional handles or auxiliary components. The container serves its own installation function through its geometric design.
3Manufacturing precision
If the shutter is positioned at the bottom of the toner container, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the shutter may hit the bottom wall during insertion causing malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides a recess in the bottom wall of the mount that extends beyond the bottom wall surface. This recess acts as a cushioning feature that receives the shutter and other bottom components of the toner container during insertion, preventing the shutter from hitting the bottom wall with force. The recess absorbs the impact and allows the components to settle gently into their final positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The recess in the bottom wall is prepared in advance to guide and receive the shutter during the insertion process. Before the shutter can potentially hit the bottom wall, the recess already exists to guide the shutter into its proper position, preventing malfunction before it can occur.
4Volume of moving object
If the toner container is installed vertically, then space utilization is improved, but the insertion entrance requires specific geometric configuration increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion entrance is designed with a bottom wall that serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the mount, creates the necessary recess to receive the shutter, and guides the toner container during insertion. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing overall device complexity while achieving vertical space utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an insertion entrance through which a toner container is inserted, and an entrance peripheral wall surrounding the insertion entrance and including an upper wall and a projecting bottom wall projecting beyond the upper wall to an upstream side in an insertion direction in which the toner container is inserted. The toner container includes a toner outlet in a substantially center portion of a bottom of the toner container in a width direction perpendicular to the insertion direction and a shutter to open and close the toner outlet. A recess recessed in the insertion direction is provided in a center portion of the projecting bottom wall in the width direction, and the recess in the projecting bottom wall is longer than the shutter in the width direction.