Connecting Member with Notched Limit Portions for Swingable Roller Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manufacturers face the challenge of assembling and disassembling toner cartridges in electronic image-forming apparatuses, where the rotational force receiving member needs to be freely swingable within a certain angle range without detaching from the connecting member.

Innovation Solution

A roller unit comprising a connecting member with a tube portion, a bottom portion, and limit portions with notches, coupled with a resilient member, allowing the rotational force receiving member to be freely swingable within a predetermined angle relative to the connecting member without detachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the rotational force receiving member is freely swingable relative to the connecting member, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to risk of detachment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefreedom of swing for assembly and disassemblyVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The rotational force receiving member is nested within the connecting member, with limit posts positioned within notches of the connecting member. This nested configuration allows the rotational force receiving member to swing freely within the space defined by the notches while the notches themselves constrain the movement to prevent complete detachment, thus resolving the contradiction between freedom of movement and connection stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection structure transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic swingable connection. The rotational force receiving member is designed to swing within a certain angle range relative to the connecting member, allowing dynamic adjustment during operation while the limit posts and notches provide dynamic constraints that prevent detachment. This dynamic design enables both ease of operation and maintained reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the rotational force receiving member is freely swingable within a certain angle range, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional limit portions and notches

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangular adjustment capabilityVSAvoidstructure with limit portions and notches
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting member serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, defines the swing angle through notches, and prevents detachment through the same notch structure. The limit posts on the rotational force receiving member similarly serve both to enable swinging motion and to constrain the range of motion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting member is segmented into functional zones: the tube portion for structural support, the limit portions with notches for angular constraint, and the bottom portion for additional positioning. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall design relatively simple. The notches are segmented features that provide discrete angular positions without requiring complex continuous guidance mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables secure and flexible coupling of the rotational force receiving member with the connecting member, ensuring reliable operation and easy installation/dismantling of toner cartridges by maintaining the member's engagement during rotation.

Implementation Method 1

The resilient member is connected between the connecting member and the rotational force receiving member in such a way that the rotational force receiving member is freely swingable from the axis toward any direction at a predetermined angle relative to the connecting member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10386776B2Connecting member and roller unit of electronic image-forming apparatus having the same
Publication Date: 2019.08.20 GENERAL PLASTIC INDUSTRIAL CO LTD
  • US10386776B2 patent drawing
  • US10386776B2 patent drawing
  • US10386776B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A connecting member includes a tube portion, a bottom portion provided at an end of the tube portion, an opening provided at the other end of the tube portion, a first limit portion extending from the bottom portion toward the opening in a way that a gap is left between the first limit portion and an internal periphery of the tube portion, and a second limit portion located inside the tube portion and spacedly facing the first limit portion. The first and second limit portions have first and second notches. The connecting member is used in a roller unit of an electronic image-forming apparatus. The connecting member is capable of being coupled with a rotational force receiving member in a way that the rotational force receiving member is freely swingable within an angle range relative to the connecting member without being detached from the connecting member.