Asymmetric Projection Coupling for Toner Cartridge Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing driving force transmission mechanisms in image forming apparatuses, such as printers, face difficulties in securely coupling the transmission and receiving members due to equal distances between projections, leading to obstruction during installation and improper contact, which affects the efficient transmission of driving force.
Innovation Solution
The mechanism includes a transmission member with first projections and a receiving member with second projections, where the contact member is strategically positioned to allow the receiving member to rotate and align properly with the transmission member, ensuring correct coupling by adjusting the distances and shapes of the projections to prevent obstruction and ensure proper contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the distances between first projections and second projections are made equal for symmetric coupling, then the coupling structure is simplified and balanced, but installation obstruction occurs during toner cartridge installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by making the distance between first projections different from the distance between second projections. Specifically, the first projections are positioned at equal distances from the rotation center, while the second projections are positioned at unequal distances. This asymmetric configuration prevents the projection interference that occurs during installation, allowing the toner cartridge to be installed without obstruction while maintaining functional coupling between the transmission and receiving members.
2Reliability
If the projections are positioned to enable correct coupling, then driving force transmission is effective, but installation obstruction prevents proper alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by designing the projection positions beforehand to prevent interference during installation. The asymmetric positioning of second projections relative to first projections ensures that during the installation process, the projections engage in the correct sequence and orientation, allowing proper alignment and coupling to be achieved automatically without requiring manual adjustment or causing obstruction.
3Device complexity
If symmetric projection positioning is used, then the coupling is balanced and simple, but rotation and toner stirring are hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry in the projection positioning to enable proper rotation and toner stirring. By positioning the second projections at unequal distances from the rotation center compared to the first projections, the mechanism achieves asymmetric coupling that facilitates smooth rotation of the toner cartridge and effective toner stirring, avoiding the hindrance caused by symmetric configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A driving force transmission mechanism includes a body that includes a transmission member, which transmits a driving force and includes a rotatable first surface and two first projections, and an installation unit that includes a receiving member including a second surface, which faces the first surface and which is rotatable by receiving the force when the installation unit is installed, and two second projections, which receive the force from the first projections by contacting the first projections when the first surface rotates, and that is removably installed in the body in a direction, in which the second surface moves parallel to the first surface, to couple the transmission member and the receiving member. The body includes a contact member that contacts, to rotate the receiving member, one of the second projections when the installation unit is installed while a line segment connecting the second projections is intersecting an installation direction.