Cartridge Developing Roller Mounting Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrophotographic image forming apparatuses require complex mechanisms for mounting and urging the developing roller onto the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, which complicates the process and may lead to damage during the mounting process.

Innovation Solution

A simplified structure where the developing roller in the cartridge is urged onto the electrophotographic photosensitive drum using a force receiving portion and an urging member, eliminating the need for complex mechanisms and reducing the risk of damage during mounting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complex mechanisms are used for mounting and urging the developing roller onto the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, then the developing roller can be securely positioned, but the mounting process becomes complicated and may lead to damage during mounting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure positioning of developing rollerVSAvoidmounting mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cartridge is designed as a separate, self-contained unit with the developing roller integrated within it. This segmentation allows the developing roller to be mounted as a complete assembly rather than requiring complex mechanisms to position individual components. The cartridge structure itself provides the necessary guidance and positioning features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cartridge is designed to be self-aligning and self-positioning through its structural features. The force receiving portion and urging member work together to automatically urge the developing roller onto the photosensitive drum without requiring complex external mechanisms or manual adjustment. The cartridge essentially mounts itself through its own structural design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If complex mechanisms are used for mounting the developing roller, then positioning accuracy can be improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to complicated mounting procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracy of developing rollerVSAvoidease of mounting operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the developing roller assembly into an integrated cartridge unit, the design simplifies the mounting operation to a single insertion and engagement action. The user only needs to insert the complete cartridge assembly, and the internal structure handles the positioning and urging functions automatically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The developing roller is pre-positioned and pre-urged within the cartridge structure before insertion. The force receiving portion and urging member are configured in advance within the cartridge, so that when the cartridge is inserted, the developing roller is already positioned correctly relative to the photosensitive drum without requiring additional positioning actions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If complex mechanisms are used for mounting and urging, then the developing roller can be firmly positioned, but the likelihood of damage during mounting increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefirm positioning of developing rollerVSAvoiddamage risk during mounting
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cartridge structure is designed to protect the developing roller during mounting through its own structural features. The force receiving portion and urging member are integrated into the cartridge, which automatically guides and positions the developing roller without requiring external complex mechanisms that could cause damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The cartridge design incorporates cushioning features that protect the developing roller during the mounting process. The gradual engagement of the force receiving portion with the photosensitive drum provides a controlled, damage-free mounting process, cushioning against sudden impacts or misalignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

This solution allows for easy and secure mounting of the developing roller, enhancing usability and reducing the likelihood of damage to the drum and roller, while maintaining efficient image formation capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

an urging member for urging the cartridge, wherein by mounting the cartridge, the force receiving portion receives a force from the urging member to urge the developing roller to the electrophotographic photosensitive drum

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForce transmission: Force

Data Source

PatentUS9037039B2Electrophotographic image forming apparatus
Publication Date: 2015.05.19 CANON KK
  • US9037039B2 patent drawing
  • US9037039B2 patent drawing
  • US9037039B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, includes an electrophotographic photosensitive drum; a cartridge including a developing roller for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, the cartridge containing a developer for effecting development and including a force receiving portion, wherein the cartridge is mounted to a main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus; and an urging member for urging the cartridge; wherein by mounting the cartridge, the force receiving portion receives a force from the urging member to urge the developing roller to the electrophotographic photosensitive drum.