Image-Forming Cartridge Detection with Retractable Contact Protrusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The contact protrusion on developing cartridges can interfere with or get damaged during installation and removal, affecting the detection mechanism for determining new or used cartridges.
Innovation Solution
A cartridge design that includes a toothless gear part and a detected rotational body with a sliding mechanism, using a wire spring to prevent interference and damage, allowing for reliable detection of new or used cartridges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a contact protrusion is provided on the detecting gear to enable detection of new or used cartridges, then the detection function is improved, but the contact protrusion may interfere with or get damaged during installation and removal of the cartridge
Solution Approach 1:
The detecting gear is designed to rotate dynamically between two positions: a first position where the contact protrusion is retracted and does not interfere with installation/removal, and a second position where the contact protrusion engages with the detection sensor to determine cartridge status. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by making the detection component active only when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating member is actuated to move the detecting gear to the first position (retracted state) before installation or removal operations begin. This preliminary action ensures that the contact protrusion is already in a non-interfering position, preventing potential damage or interference during these operations.
2Reliability
If the contact protrusion is always exposed for detection purposes, then detection reliability is improved, but the contact protrusion is vulnerable to damage from collision with other members during cartridge manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The contact protrusion transitions from a static exposed state to a dynamic state where it can be retracted into a protected position. The rotating member enables this motion, allowing the protrusion to be exposed for detection when needed and retracted for protection during cartridge handling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively retracts the contact protrusion into the first position before any potential collision can occur during installation or removal. This preliminary protective action prevents damage to the protrusion by eliminating the harmful interaction before it can happen.
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
Prevents interference and damage to detection components, ensuring accurate determination of new or used cartridges without mechanical hindrance.
Implementation Method 1
a wire spring that allows the detected rotational body to move from an initial position to a position where the first detected part projects outwards from the gear cover and that enables the detected rotational body to return to the initial position
Data Source
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AI summary
A cartridge detachably attachable to an image forming apparatus which includes a main body, a driving unit and a detecting unit, includes: a housing that is configured to accommodate a developer therein, and includes a first side wall and a second side wall opposed to the first side wall in a longitudinal direction; a passive unit that is configured to receive a driving force from the driving unit, is mounted on the first side wall, and is rotatable around a first axis line parallel to the longitudinal direction; and a detected body mounted on the first side wall and including a detected part which is detected by the detecting unit. The detected body advances outwards in the longitudinal direction with respect to the first side wall and retracts inwards in the longitudinal direction with respect to the first side wall by the driving force received by the passive unit.