Toner Outlet Structure with Accelerating Blowing Blades
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toner cartridges face issues with non-uniform developer supply due to the scalability reduction of the pump unit after multiple operations, leading to agglomeration and inefficient toner discharge, especially when the toner outlet hole and outlet are not properly aligned, resulting in incomplete developer flow into the electronic imaging device.
Innovation Solution
A toner discharging structure that includes an accelerating structure, blowing blades, and a toner mixing unit, where the accelerating structure increases the rotation speed of the blowing blades to generate wind that blows the developer out through the toner outlet, ensuring consistent and efficient developer supply by aligning the toner outlet hole and outlet, and using a planetary gear accelerator or electrical blowing component to enhance airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the pump unit performs reciprocating movement to discharge developer, then the developer can be supplied to the electronic imaging device, but the scalability of the pump unit is reduced after multiple operations, resulting in non-uniform developer supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the pump unit from the toner cartridge system entirely. Instead of using a pump unit to discharge developer, the invention uses the rotation of the cartridge body itself to achieve developer discharge through a toner outlet, thereby eliminating the scalability reduction problem associated with repeated pump unit operations
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge body's rotation serves dual purposes: it both mixes the developer and discharges it through the toner outlet. The developer discharge is achieved passively through the rotation-driven airflow and pressure differential, without requiring an active pump unit, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating components that degrade over time
2Ease of operation
If the movable toner outlet plate is used to control developer flow, then the toner outlet hole and outlet can be aligned during operation, but the structure becomes complex and the alignment reliability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the movable toner outlet plate and its associated elastic members entirely. The toner outlet is designed as a fixed structure with a through-hole that allows developer to pass through during rotation, removing the complexity of movable plates and elastic components while maintaining operational functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The toner outlet is designed as a separate component with a through-hole that is structurally independent from the cartridge body, allowing it to be positioned and configured separately. This segmentation enables the outlet to function effectively without requiring complex alignment mechanisms
3Productivity
If the pump unit is used to create pressure differential for developer discharge, then the developer can be pushed out through the toner outlet, but the structure becomes complex and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent completely removes the pump unit from the system. Developer discharge is achieved through the rotation of the cartridge body, which creates airflow and pressure differential naturally, eliminating the need for pump units and their associated maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pump unit system with a rotation-based system. The cartridge body's rotation creates the necessary airflow and pressure differential to discharge developer, substituting a simple rotational mechanism for a complex pump unit 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 solution ensures consistent developer supply and prevents agglomeration by generating sufficient airflow to push the developer out of the toner cartridge, improving the alignment of the toner outlet components and maintaining efficient operation over time.
Implementation Method 1
the accelerating structure increases the rotation speed of the blowing blades to generate wind that blows the developer out through the toner outlet
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
A toner discharging structure and a toner cartridge are provided. The toner discharging structure cooperatively couples with a cartridge body to form a toner cartridge used in an electronic imaging device. The toner discharging structure includes: an accelerating structure, blowing blades, a toner mixing unit, and a toner discharging unit. One end of the accelerating structure is connected to the cartridge body. The blowing blades are connected to another end of the accelerating structure to allow a rotation speed of the blowing blades greater than a rotation speed of the cartridge body. The toner mixing unit is connected to the cartridge body, for receiving wind generated by the blowing blades. The toner discharging unit includes a toner outlet connected to the toner mixing unit.