Image Cartridge Frame Layout for Memory Access and Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
The provision of a hole in the frame for exposing a memory in a development cartridge leads to a decrease in the strength of the frame.
Innovation Solution
A cartridge configuration with a frame that includes an exposing hole for the memory and a recessed portion adjacent to the hole, positioned away from the cleaning member, to store foreign matters removed from the photosensitive drum, thereby maintaining frame strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hole is provided in the frame for exposing the memory, then the memory can be brought into direct contact with the electric contact portion, but the strength of the frame decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electric contact portion as an intermediary element that bridges the memory and the external circuit. The memory is exposed through the hole and contacts with the electric contact portion, which is embedded in the frame. This mediator allows electrical connection while the frame structure can be optimized for strength separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing the hole only at the specific location where memory exposure is needed, while maintaining the overall frame structure integrity. The electric contact portion is locally positioned to receive the memory contact, concentrating the functional requirement in a specific area rather than compromising the entire frame structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the memory is exposed through a hole in the frame, then communication with the control unit is enabled, but the frame structure becomes weaker
Solution Approach 1:
The electric contact portion serves as a mediator between the memory and the control unit communication interface. The memory exposed through the hole contacts the electric contact portion, which transmits signals to the control unit, enabling communication while preserving frame structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the frame structure by creating a localized opening for memory exposure rather than compromising the entire frame. The electric contact portion is integrated into the frame at a specific location, allowing communication functionality to be added without weakening the overall frame structure.
3Ease of operation
If the cleaning member contacts the photosensitive drum to clean it, then the photosensitive drum is cleaned, but foreign matters may affect the memory contact region
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the memory and its contact region from the potential contamination zone by positioning the memory exposure hole and electric contact portion away from the cleaning member's path. This separation ensures that foreign matters removed from the photosensitive drum do not interfere with the memory contact reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the drum unit into distinct functional zones: the cleaning zone where the cleaning member contacts the photosensitive drum, and the memory contact zone where the memory interfaces with the electric contact portion. This spatial segmentation prevents contamination of the memory contact region by cleaning operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A cartridge includes a drum unit and a development unit. The drum unit includes a photosensitive drum, a frame, a transfer roller, and a cleaning member. The development unit includes a development roller, and a memory. The cleaning member is configured to come into contact with the photosensitive drum at a region between a development nip portion and a transfer nip portion in a circumferential direction of the photosensitive drum and at an end portion of the photosensitive drum in a direction of the rotational axis. The frame has an exposing hole through which the memory is exposed from the frame, and a recessed portion that is adjacent to the exposing hole in the direction of the rotational axis, and stores foreign matters removed from the photosensitive drum by the cleaning member.