Cartridge Cover Member Positioning and Stability Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrophotographic image forming apparatus cartridges require complex maintenance and positioning mechanisms, which can lead to increased dimensions and instability, affecting usability and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A cartridge design featuring a photosensitive drum, a first frame for rotatably supporting the drum, a second frame for the developing roller, a cover member with a disc-shaped planar portion, a first projection portion for positioning, a concave portion with a second projection portion to engage an urging member, and a shaft portion for supporting the drum, enhancing stability and reducing dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional positioning mechanisms are used in cartridges, then positioning function is provided, but device complexity increases and stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the positioning function with the cover member structure itself. The cover member includes a positioning projection that directly engages with a positioning groove in the photosensitive drum, integrating positioning functionality into an existing structural component rather than adding a separate complex positioning mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover member serves multiple functions: it covers the photosensitive drum, provides positioning through its projection, and supports the urging member. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining stability.
2Length of stationary object
If conventional cover member designs are used, then drum support is provided, but cartridge dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cover member extends in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum with a positioning projection, utilizing the axial dimension for positioning functionality. This allows compact radial dimensions while maintaining stable drum support through the axial positioning engagement.
Data Source
AI summary
A cartridge includes a cover member including a substantially disc-shaped planar portion extending in a direction orthogonal to an axis of rotation of a photosensitive drum, a first projection portion projecting from the planar portion toward an outside in the direction of the axis of rotation, the first projection portion configured to abut on the positioning portion so that the first frame is positioned within an apparatus main body, a concave portion recessed from the planar portion toward an inner side in the direction of the axis of rotation, and a second projection portion provided in the concave portion, the second projection portion projecting from the concave portion toward an outside in the direction of the axis of rotation, the second projection portion configured to engage with one end of an urging member.