Cartridge Memory Unit Solvent Welding Bonding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatus cartridges lack an inexpensive adhesive member with controllable adhesive force for securely attaching memory units, which affects the stability and maintenance of the image forming process.
Innovation Solution
A cartridge design that incorporates a memory unit supported by a memory support member and sealed with a thermoplastic resin-based sealing material, where the bonding faces are welded and fixed using a solvent, allowing for controlled adhesive strength and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive agents or double-sided tapes are used to attach the memory unit to the cartridge frame, then the memory unit can be fixed, but the adhesive force is not controllable and the bonding area is not distinct
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the bonding method from using adhesive agents or double-sided tapes to using welding. This parameter change allows for distinct bonding faces and controllable adhesive force through the welding process, resolving the issue of uncontrollable adhesive force while maintaining reliable memory unit attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical bonding mechanism (adhesive agents, double-sided tapes) with a mechanical/thermal bonding mechanism (welding). This substitution enables precise control over the bonding area and adhesive force through the welding process, eliminating the limitations of adhesive-based methods
2Strength
If components formed of styrene-based resin are bonded by welding and fixing using a terpene-based solvent, then bonding can be achieved, but the adhesive force remains uncontrollable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the bonding process by using ultrasonic vibration during welding. This parameter change enables control over the bonding strength and consistency, transforming the uncontrollable adhesive force into a reliable and consistent bonding process while maintaining the use of terpene-based solvent for styrene-based resin components
3Ease of manufacture
If an inexpensive adhesive member is used to attach the memory unit, then cost is reduced, but the adhesive force and operational stability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces inexpensive but unreliable adhesive members with a welding-based bonding system. This substitution maintains cost-effectiveness while significantly improving operational stability and reliability, as welding provides strong, consistent bonds without the need for expensive specialized adhesive materials
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the bonding mechanism from adhesive-based to welding-based, which allows for distinct bonding faces and controllable adhesive force. This parameter change enables the use of cost-effective materials while achieving reliable and stable memory unit attachment suitable for image forming apparatus 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
The solution provides a stable and cost-effective method for attaching memory units to image forming apparatus cartridges, ensuring reliable operation and easy maintenance by using a solvent-based bonding process with thermoplastic resins, enhancing the adhesive strength and operational stability.
Implementation Method 1
The sealing material and the memory support member contain the same type of thermoplastic resin, and at least parts of the bonding faces are welded and fixed by a solvent
Data Source
AI summary
A cartridge detachably attachable to an apparatus body of an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium in which a memory unit is fixed by an inexpensive adhesive member that can control adhesion force. The cartridge includes: a memory; and a memory support member that supports the memory. The memory has a semiconductor device storing information related to a cartridge, a sealing material that protects the semiconductor device, and a cartridge electrical contact configured to be electrically connectable to a body electrical contact of the image forming apparatus body for transferring information on the semiconductor device to the image forming apparatus body. The sealing material and the memory support member contain the same type of a thermoplastic resin, the sealing material and the memory support member have bonding faces, and at least parts of the bonding faces are welded and fixed by a solvent.