Developer Cartridge Electrode Member Attachment Friction

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing image formation devices face issues with damage to the feed member when attaching or detaching the developer cartridge due to sliding contact with the electrode plate, leading to potential mechanical stress and wear.

Innovation Solution

The developer cartridge is designed with an electrode member that faces the attachment direction and is electrically connected to the developer roller, allowing it to contact a power supply member within the image formation device, thereby preventing sliding contact and reducing friction during attachment and detachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the feed member protrudes from the side wall to supply bias to the developer roller, then the electrical connection is established, but the feed member becomes damaged due to sliding contact with the electrode plate during attachment and detachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedurability of feed memberVSAvoidattachment and detachment process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a conductive plate as an intermediary component between the feed member and the electrode plate. The conductive plate makes sliding contact with the electrode plate during attachment and detachment, while the feed member maintains a fixed position and does not slide. This intermediary protects the feed member from damage while still establishing the necessary electrical connection through the conductive plate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the electrode member faces the attachment direction to contact the power supply member, then sliding contact is prevented and durability is enhanced, but the structural configuration becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedurability of electrode memberVSAvoidstructural configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of having the feed member make sliding contact with the electrode plate during attachment and detachment, the patent inverts the approach by having the electrode member (conductive plate) face the attachment direction and make the sliding contact, while the feed member remains stationary. This inversion protects the critical feed member from damage while accepting slightly increased structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 enhances the durability of both the electrode member and the developer electrode by minimizing friction and preventing abrasion, allowing for smoother and more stable attachment and removal of the developer cartridge, while maintaining a simplified and efficient operational mechanism.

Implementation Method 1

an electrode member electrically connected to the developer roller. The electrode member faces in an attachment direction along which the developer cartridge is attached to the image forming unit, and is configured to contact a power supply member disposed at the image forming unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS7761023B2Developer cartridge, process unit, and image formation device

Publication Date: 2010.07.20 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A developer cartridge is attachable to and detachable from an image forming unit. The developer cartridge includes a developer roller and an electrode member electrically connected to the developer roller. The electrode member faces in an attachment direction along which the developer cartridge is attached to the image forming unit. The electrode is configured to contact a power supply member disposed at the image forming unit.