Two-Chamber Toner Cartridge Layout for Clean Memory Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently supplying toner to developing containers while maintaining a compact design and facilitating easy maintenance, particularly in electrophotographic printers where toner cartridges need to be easily exchangeable and compatible with different colors.
Innovation Solution
A cartridge design featuring a first chamber for toner storage with a discharge opening, a filter for air passage, a pipe connecting the chamber to a second chamber for toner flow, and a memory for storing information, arranged such that the toner chamber is positioned above the air chamber in a gravitational direction, allowing for efficient toner supply and compact layout.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the memory is provided on the side surface of the cartridge, then the cartridge structure is simplified, but the memory contact may come into contact with toner causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The memory is relocated from the side surface to the upper or lower surface of the cartridge, changing the spatial dimension of memory placement. This dimensional shift allows the memory contact to be positioned away from the toner discharge path while still maintaining electrical connection functionality through the memory contact protruding from the cartridge housing
2Volume of moving object
If the cartridge is designed for compact layout with toner chamber above air chamber, then the apparatus size is reduced, but the toner discharge mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes air pressure differential created by the air blower to drive toner discharge. The air chamber receives pressurized air that flows through the filter into the toner chamber, creating a pressure differential that pushes toner through the discharge opening without requiring complex mechanical discharge mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge is segmented into distinct functional chambers: the toner chamber for storing and discharging toner, and the air chamber for receiving and directing air flow. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each chamber's function while maintaining a compact overall structure
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the filter is positioned to separate toner chamber and air chamber, then toner contamination is prevented, but air passage efficiency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is implemented as a porous component that allows air molecules to pass through while blocking larger toner particles. The porous structure provides sufficient air permeability to maintain efficient air flow from the air chamber to the toner chamber while effectively preventing toner contamination
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
Enables efficient toner supply to developing containers without increasing the apparatus size, while allowing easy exchange and maintenance of toner cartridges, thus improving usability and reducing maintenance complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a filter configured to prevent passing of the toner and to permit passing of air
Implementation Method 2
a memory configured to store information and including a memory contact
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(c)
Figure 3
AI summary
A cartridge includes a first chamber provided with a discharge opening; a filter; a second chamber provided with an inlet for taking in the air from an outside of the cartridge; a pipe provided in the first chamber and for permitting passing of the toner, wherein the pipe is provided with a first pipe opening and a second pipe opening for communicating with the discharge opening, the pipe being extended from the first pipe opening to the second pipe opening; and a memory. In a case where a direction in which the first chamber and the second chamber are arranged is a gravitational direction and the cartridge is directed in a predetermined direction in which at least a part of the first chamber is positioned above the second chamber, the memory is provided on an upper surface or a lower surface of the cartridge.