Cartridge Terminal Positioning for Stable Electrical Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The connection state between the process cartridge connector and the main body connector in electrophotographic image forming devices can become unstable due to vibrations, leading to unreliable information transfer between the IC memory and the main body.
Innovation Solution
An image forming device design that includes a main body and a detachable cartridge with a rotation body, a memory device, and terminals connected in a way that torque from the rotation body ensures stable electrical connection between the cartridge and the main body, maintaining information transfer during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the process cartridge connector and main body connector are exposed with terminals facing downward for connection, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the connection state becomes unstable due to vibration during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful vibration into a beneficial force by positioning the terminal at a location where vibration-induced torque presses the terminal against the contact surface, thereby improving connection stability rather than degrading it
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a conventional terminal orientation to a specific angular position (45 degrees or more from the horizontal direction) to utilize the vertical component of vibration torque for maintaining contact pressure
2Reliability
If the terminal is positioned to utilize torque from rotation body for stable connection, then connection reliability improves, but device complexity increases due to specific terminal positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal structure automatically utilizes the torque generated by the rotating body to maintain itself in the correct position and contact pressure, eliminating the need for additional active control mechanisms or complex positioning systems
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 design stabilizes the electrical connection between the cartridge and the main body, ensuring reliable information transfer and reducing the risk of instability caused by vibrations, thereby enhancing the operational reliability of the image forming device.
Implementation Method 1
the first terminal is provided at a position where a torque produced by rotation of the rotation body acts in the first cartridge
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming device according to an aspect includes: a main body; and a first cartridge configured to accommodate a developer and detachably attached to the main body. The first cartridge includes: a rotation body rotatably provided in the first cartridge; a memory device configured to store information concerning the first cartridge; and a first terminal electrically connected to the memory device. The main body includes: a driver configured to rotate the rotation body; and a second terminal electrically connected to the first terminal. The first terminal is provided at a position where a torque produced by rotation of the rotation body acts in the first cartridge.