Conductive Locking Member for Cartridge Attachment and Electrical Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing process cartridges for image forming apparatuses require a locking member to prevent the developing cartridge from falling off, increasing the number of components and costs.
Innovation Solution
A photosensitive cartridge with a locking member that electrically connects the main body and developing cartridge, preventing disengagement of the developing cartridge when attached, and reduces the number of components by integrating the locking function with the attachment unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking member is provided to prevent the developing cartridge from falling off, then the developing cartridge is securely locked, but the number of components increases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is integrated into the attachment unit structure, combining the locking function with the attachment function. The attachment unit includes a locking protrusion that engages with a locking groove on the developing cartridge, eliminating the need for a separate locking mechanism while maintaining secure locking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment unit serves multiple functions: it attaches the developing cartridge to the photosensitive cartridge and simultaneously locks it in place. The locking member is designed to perform both attachment and locking operations, reducing the overall component count while maintaining reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If the locking member is made as a separate component, then the locking function is clear, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is integrated into the attachment unit as a built-in feature rather than a separate component. The attachment unit is manufactured as a single piece with the locking protrusion formed directly in the structure, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing assembly steps while maintaining clear functional definition.
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 effectively prevents the developing cartridge from falling off while reducing the overall component count and costs by using a conductive locking member that also facilitates electrical connection between the main body and the developing cartridge.
Implementation Method 1
the locking member comes into contact, when the photosensitive cartridge to which the developing cartridge has been attached is attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus, with a main body contact member provided to the main body and electrically connects the main body contact member and the developing cartridge
Data Source
AI summary
A photosensitive cartridge attachable to/detachable from a main body of an image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive member, an attachment unit configured to removably attach a developing cartridge including a developing member that develops a latent image formed on the photosensitive member to the photosensitive cartridge, and a locking member configured to prevent disengaging of the developing cartridge from the attachment unit when the developing cartridge is attached to the attachment unit, wherein the locking member comes into contact, when the photosensitive cartridge to which the developing cartridge has been attached is attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus, with a main body contact member provided to the main body and electrically connects the main body contact member and the developing cartridge.