Development Device Lever Hook Elastic Snap-Fit Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing development devices for image forming apparatuses require complex locking mechanisms and additional components, such as spring members, to facilitate attachment and detachment, increasing the number of members and assembly steps.
Innovation Solution
A development device with a holder portion, a hook, a lever portion, and elastic arm portions that elastically deform to engage with the apparatus main body's recess, simplifying the attachment process and reducing the number of components needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lock means with a lock lever and spring member is used to restrict drawing of the development device, then the attachment and detachment function is achieved, but the number of members and assembling steps is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lever member and hook portion into a single integrated component. The lever member includes both the lever body for manual operation and the hook portion for engagement with the recess, eliminating the need for separate lock claw and spring member components. This merging reduces the total number of parts and simplifies assembly while maintaining the attachment and detachment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary components from the traditional lock mechanism. By removing the separate lock claw and spring member, and retaining only the essential lever member with integrated hook portion, the design achieves the same functional outcome with fewer parts. The lever member itself provides both the manual operation interface and the engagement mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If a hook portion is provided in the lever member with spring member support, then the engagement and release mechanism is achieved, but the number of members and assembling steps is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the support function previously requiring a separate spring member into the lever member structure itself. The lever member is designed with inherent elastic properties or integrated support structures that provide the necessary biasing force without requiring additional spring components. This integration maintains the automatic engagement and release functionality while reducing part count.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever member is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as the manual operation interface, provides structural support, enables engagement through the hook portion, and provides the biasing force for automatic release. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate spring member and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
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 configuration allows for a snap-fit engagement of the hook with the recess, stabilizing the attachment and reducing the complexity of assembly, while also providing a stable connection to the controller board.
Implementation Method 1
the hook interferes with the apparatus main body to shift the lever portion in a direction crossing the inserting/drawing direction and to elastically deform the elastic arm portion. When the hook is engaged with the recess, the elastic deformation of the elastic arm portion is released
Data Source
AI summary
A development device is attachable to and detachable from an apparatus main body in an inserting/drawing direction. The development device includes a holder portion, a hook, a lever portion, and an elastic arm portion. The holder portion supports a board connectable to a controller of the apparatus main body. The hook is engageable with a recess of the apparatus main body. The lever portion is provided with the hook. At least one elastic arm portion connects the holder portion and the lever portion. In a middle of an attachment to the apparatus main body, the hook interferes with the apparatus main body to shift the lever portion in a direction crossing the inserting/drawing direction and to elastically deform the elastic arm portion. When the hook is engaged with the recess, the elastic deformation of the elastic arm portion is released and the board is connected to the controller.