Cartridge Fixing via Fusing Resin Flow to Prevent Rattling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electrophotographic image forming apparatuses, the existing methods for fixing cartridges with flexible engaging portions often result in rattling due to dimensional variations, affecting the positional accuracy of components like the developing roller and cleaning blade.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a flexible engaging portion and an engaged portion, with a third member that restricts movement by flowing and solidifying fusing resin between the first and second members, ensuring the engaging portions remain fixed without rattling, even with dimensional variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixation with screws or ultrasonic welding is used, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical fixation methods (screws, ultrasonic welding) with a chemical bonding mechanism. The adhesive layer is applied to the engaging portion, and when the engaging portion engages with the engaged portion, the adhesive bonds the members together chemically rather than mechanically, simplifying the fixation system while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an adhesive layer as an intermediary substance between the engaging portion and engaged portion. This adhesive mediator enables reliable bonding without requiring complex mechanical fixation systems, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity
2Reliability
If a third member with restriction portion is added to prevent bending, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the restriction function from a separate third member and integrates it directly into the engaging portion structure. The engaging portion itself is designed with geometric features that prevent bending, eliminating the need for an additional restriction member while maintaining engagement stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the restriction function with the engaging portion by designing the engaging portion with integrated geometric constraints. The engaging portion simultaneously performs engagement and restriction functions, reducing the total number of members while improving reliability
3Ease of operation
If flexible engaging portion is used, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to rattling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure combining a flexible material for the engaging portion with an adhesive layer. The flexible material allows easy assembly while the adhesive layer provides precise positioning and eliminates rattling, achieving both ease of operation and manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive layer acts as an intermediary that eliminates the rattling problem between the flexible engaging portion and engaged portion. This mediator maintains the flexibility needed for easy assembly while ensuring precise positional accuracy during operation
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 provides a stable and accurate fixation of cartridges, reducing rattling and maintaining positional accuracy between critical components, such as the developing roller and cleaning blade, enhancing the reliability of the image forming process.
Implementation Method 1
forming a third member configured to restrict a movement of the flexible engaging portion by flowing a fusing resin in between the first member and the second member and solidifying the fusing resin
Data Source
AI summary
A method of manufacturing a cartridge including a first member having a flexible engaging portion and a second member having an engaged portion to be engaged with the engaging portion, configured to manufacture a cartridge by a process of engaging the engaging portion of the first member and the engaged portion of the second member; and a process of forming a third member configured to restrict a movement of the flexible engaging portion by letting a fluent material flow in between the first member and the second member and solidifying the fluent material.