Toner Refill Cartridge Pump for Automatic Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toner refill cartridges for electrophotographic image forming apparatuses either require manual pressurization, which is inconvenient, or automatic discharge mechanisms that may not ensure stable toner supply.
Innovation Solution
A toner refill cartridge that automatically discharges toner by receiving a driving force from the main body of the image forming apparatus, utilizing a pump with a variable volume member that adjusts internal pressure to stably supply toner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual pressurization is used to discharge toner, then the discharge mechanism is simple, but user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pump automatically discharges toner from the toner storage container without requiring manual pressurization by the user. The pump receives a driving force from the main body and autonomously performs the toner discharge function, making the system serve itself rather than requiring continuous user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical pressurization system is replaced with an automated pump mechanism driven by the main body. This substitution eliminates the need for user-applied mechanical force while providing more reliable and controlled toner discharge through the pump's mechanical action.
2Ease of operation
If automatic discharge mechanism is used, then user convenience is improved, but stable toner supply cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The pump includes a variable volume member that dynamically adjusts the internal pressure within the toner storage container. By changing the volume of the variable volume member, the pump creates pressure variations that reliably discharge toner through the discharge port, ensuring stable toner supply while maintaining automatic operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump utilizes pressure changes within the sealed space of the toner storage container to control toner discharge. By adjusting the internal pressure through the variable volume member, the system reliably moves toner from the storage container through the discharge port without requiring manual intervention.
3Reliability
If pump with variable volume member is used, then stable toner supply is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump structure serves multiple functions: it discharges toner from the storage container, adjusts internal pressure through the variable volume member, and communicates with the main body regarding toner discharge status. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while achieving reliable toner supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The variable volume member is positioned within the toner storage container, with the discharge port extending through the variable volume member. This nested arrangement allows the pump components to be integrated within the existing toner storage structure, minimizing additional space and complexity while enabling pressure control and toner discharge functions.
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 provides improved user convenience by eliminating the need for manual pressurization and ensures stable toner supply through automatic discharge, maintaining efficient operation of the image forming apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a pump (100) which adjusts an internal pressure of the toner storage container (93) by changing a volume of a variable volume member (110)
Data Source
AI summary
A toner refill cartridge includes a housing having an opening; a toner storage portion arranged inside the housing and to store a toner; a toner discharge portion at an end of the toner storage portion and to discharge the toner; a pump including a variable volume member capable of retracting and expanding, the pump to provide pressure, through a volume change of the variable volume member, for discharging the toner; a driving force input portion rotatable by a driving force received from outside; and a driving force transmission portion to receive a rotational force of the driving force input portion, convert the rotational force into driving force for changing a volume of the variable volume member, and transmit the driving force to the pump.