Toner Storage Segmentation for Continuous Roll Paper Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses stop operating when the toner in the toner bottle or hopper runs out during continuous printing on roll paper, leading to decreased productivity and the need for frequent toner replacements.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus includes a developing device, a toner storage container, and multiple toner storages, where toner is supplied from the storage container to the developing device through the toner storages, allowing continuous toner supply even when the toner bottle runs out.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the toner capacity in the toner bottle is increased to reduce replacement frequency, then the toner storage capacity is improved, but the toner bottle size and weight increase, making it difficult to replace and requiring more storage space
Solution Approach 1:
The toner storage system is divided into multiple segments: a large-capacity toner bottle for bulk storage, a smaller toner hopper for active use, and intermediate toner storages. This segmentation allows the large bottle to be replaced less frequently while maintaining ease of operation through automated transfer mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The toner hopper acts as an intermediary between the large-toner bottle and the developing device. It receives toner from the bottle and supplies it to the developing device, enabling the system to use large-capacity bottles without requiring direct handling of heavy, full bottles during operation.
2Productivity
If the toner bottle capacity is increased to continue image formation without stopping, then the productivity is improved, but the toner bottle size increases, increasing delivery cost and storage space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments toner storage into multiple units (toner bottle, toner hopper, and intermediate storages), allowing continuous operation through automated transfer between segments rather than requiring one extremely large bottle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically transferring toner from the bottle to the hopper and intermediate storages before the bottle is completely empty, ensuring continuous supply without interruption and eliminating the need for large single-unit storage.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the toner hopper capacity is increased to accumulate necessary toner for continuous printing, then the continuous printing capability is improved, but the space saving and power saving benefits are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The toner storage function is segmented across multiple components with different capacities: the large-toner bottle for bulk storage, the smaller-toner hopper for active supply, and intermediate storages. This allows the hopper to remain small while the system as a whole supports continuous printing.
Solution Approach 2:
Intermediate toner storages are introduced as mediators between the large bottle and the small hopper, enabling the hopper to maintain its compact size while still supporting continuous printing through the intermediary buffer storages.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus capable of forming a toner image on continuous paper, includes: a developing device that develops a latent image formed on an image carrier to form a toner image; a toner storage container that stores toner and is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus; and a plurality of toner storages, wherein the toner is supplied from the toner storage container to the developing device via the plurality of toner storages.