Cartridge Memory Substrate Positioning for Toner Collection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrophotographic image forming apparatuses lack an efficient and integrated solution for storing information and managing toner collection within the cartridge system.
Innovation Solution
A cartridge design that incorporates a photosensitive drum, a memory element for storing information, a memory contact for electrical connection, and a frame that supports the drum and includes a container for toner collection, with a mounting member to cover the opening and support the memory substrate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a memory element is integrated into the cartridge, then information storage capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory element is integrated directly into the cartridge structure, merging the information storage function with the existing cartridge components. The memory element is positioned within the cartridge housing and electrically connected to the drum unit, allowing the cartridge to store usage information and identification data without requiring a separate external memory device.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as the toner container, the drum support structure, and the information storage device. The memory element enables the cartridge to store usage counts, identification data, and operational information, making it a multi-functional component that reduces the need for separate system components.
2Reliability
If the memory contact is positioned closer to the second end, then electrical connection efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The memory contact is pre-positioned at a specific location on the substrate during manufacturing, with its position predetermined by the substrate design. The substrate itself is configured with features that guide and constrain the memory contact placement, ensuring consistent positioning without requiring complex assembly operations. This preliminary positioning action during fabrication ensures both reliable electrical connection and manufacturability.
3Volume of moving object
If the substrate normal direction crosses the axial direction, then space utilization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is oriented such that its normal direction crosses the axial direction of the drum, transitioning from a conventional parallel arrangement to a crossed configuration. This dimensional reorientation allows the memory element to be positioned in an optimized location within the cartridge volume, improving space utilization by utilizing three-dimensional space more effectively rather than relying solely on linear arrangement along the drum axis.
Data Source
AI summary
A cartridge includes a photosensitive drum rotatable about an axis extending in an axial direction; a memory including a storing element configured to store information, a memory contact electrically connected to the storing element, and a substrate having a surface on which the memory contact is provided; and a frame which supports the photosensitive drum, on which the substrate is mounted, and which includes a first end with respect to the axial direction and a second end opposite from the first end. The frame includes a container provided with an accommodating chamber for accommodating a developer collected from the photosensitive drum and with an opening communicating with the accommodating chamber and includes a mounting member mounted on the container so as to cover the opening. The mounting member includes a supporting portion for supporting the substrate.