Toner Storage Refilling Mechanism Prevents Airlock Spills
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming agent storage members face challenges in efficient refilling due to airlock issues, leading to spills and potential environmental and health hazards, as well as increased costs and waste.
Innovation Solution
An image forming agent storage member with a housing, image forming agent entry, and a fluid-discharge mechanism that includes a discharging outlet, channel, blocking member, and top cover to manage airflow and prevent spills during refilling, ensuring safe and efficient refilling of toner or ink.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an auxiliary opening is added for ventilation during refilling, then air can be discharged, but image forming agent leaks out from the auxiliary opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by giving different functions to different parts of the opening structure. The first opening (image forming agent entry) is designed for agent injection with a sealing mechanism, while the second opening (fluid discharge entry) is specifically designed for fluid discharge only. This localized functional differentiation resolves the contradiction by allowing ventilation without enabling agent leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the opening functionality into two distinct openings: one for image forming agent entry with sealing capability, and another for fluid discharge. This segmentation allows each opening to perform its specific function without interfering with the other, solving the problem of agent leakage while maintaining ventilation capability.
2Device complexity
If only one opening is provided in the storage member, then structure is simple, but image forming agent cannot be injected due to airlock
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the opening system into two separate openings with distinct functions: the first opening for agent injection and the second opening for fluid discharge. This segmentation enables refilling operation by allowing air to escape through the second opening while agent enters through the first, overcoming the airlock problem without excessive structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The second opening acts as an intermediary channel that facilitates the refilling process by providing a dedicated path for air and fluid discharge. This intermediary structure enables the refilling operation to proceed smoothly by preventing airlock, while the overall structure remains relatively simple.
3Reliability
If conventional storage member is replaced, then image forming agent can be renewed, but cost increases and remaining agent is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables recovery of remaining image forming agent by providing a refilling function. Instead of discarding the storage member when agent is depleted, the system allows refilling through the first opening, thereby recovering the value of the storage member and preventing waste of remaining agent. This directly addresses the contradiction between agent supply continuity and substance loss.
4Ease of operation
If image forming agent is leaked, then refilling can proceed, but human health and equipment are harmed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing the second opening specifically for fluid discharge with appropriate positioning and structure. This localized functional design allows refilling to proceed without agent leakage by directing fluid discharge away from potential contamination paths, thereby protecting human health and equipment safety while maintaining refilling capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming agent storage member capable of being resupplied with an image forming agent is disclosed. The image forming agent storage member includes a housing, an image forming agent entry, and a fluid-discharge mechanism. The housing is for carrying the image forming agent. The image forming agent entry is disposed at one end of the housing. The fluid-discharge mechanism is disposed on a surface of the housing. When the image forming agent is injected into the housing via the image forming agent entry, a fluid inside the housing is discharged via the fluid-discharge mechanism. A digital machine includes the said image forming agent storage member is also disclosed.