Process Cartridge Positioning Mechanism for Image Forming Apparatus

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image forming apparatuses face challenges in achieving precise positioning of process cartridges, leading to suboptimal image formation due to the cartridge's support on an elevating plate, which complicates the attachment and detachment process.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus incorporates two side-plates forming a frame, a moving member to support and move the cartridge, and a positioning member connected by a connecting member, allowing the cartridge to be attached and detached while being precisely positioned within the main body.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the cartridge is supported on an elevating plate to enable easy attachment and detachment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the positioning precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of cartridge attachment and detachmentVSAvoidpositioning precision of cartridge

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is divided into two independent functional components: an elevating plate for vertical movement and attachment/detachment operations, and a positioning member with positioning protrusions for precise horizontal positioning. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in one function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning member acts as an intermediary between the elevating plate and the cartridge. It receives the cartridge on the elevating plate and provides precise positioning through positioning protrusions that engage with corresponding features on the cartridge, thereby achieving both ease of operation and positioning precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the cartridge is supported on an elevating plate to enable cartridge withdrawal, then the adaptability is improved, but the positioning precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecartridge withdrawal capabilityVSAvoidpositioning precision of cartridge

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is divided into two independent functional components: an elevating plate for vertical movement and attachment/detachment operations, and a positioning member with positioning protrusions for precise horizontal positioning. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in one function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning member acts as an intermediary between the elevating plate and the cartridge. It receives the cartridge on the elevating plate and provides precise positioning through positioning protrusions that engage with corresponding features on the cartridge, thereby achieving both ease of operation and positioning precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8145096B2Image forming apparatus having a process cartridge removable from a main body of the apparatus having improved usability

Publication Date: 2012.03.27 CANON KK

AI summary

The present invention includes two side-plates configured to be opposed to each other and to form a frame of a main body of the apparatus, a cartridge with an image bearing member, a moving member configured to support and move the cartridge, a connecting member configured to connect the two side-plates, and a positioning member configured to be held by the connecting member, wherein the moving member, which is movable between the two side-plates, the cartridge is attachable to and detachable from the moving member when the moving member is withdrawn to the outside of the main body of the apparatus, and the cartridge is positioned by the positioning member when the moving member is moved and the cartridge is contained in the main body of the apparatus.