Deformable Electrode Plate for Uniform Drum Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional developer cartridges in tandem-type color laser printers experience non-uniform pressing force on photosensitive drums due to friction between the bias electrode and relay electrode, which inhibits the axial movement of the developer cartridge, leading to uneven toner distribution and image quality issues.
Innovation Solution
The developer cartridge features a deformable electrode plate with extending portions and a cover design that reduces the biasing force and friction, allowing the developing roller to maintain contact with the photosensitive drum while accommodating its eccentric shape, ensuring uniform pressure and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the bias electrode is designed with strong biasing force to maintain contact with the relay electrode, then electrical connection reliability is improved, but friction increases which inhibits axial movement of the developer cartridge
Solution Approach 1:
The bias electrode is designed as a flexible plate spring that can dynamically adjust its position and contact pressure. The electrode includes a pressing portion that elastically presses against the relay electrode, allowing the contact force to be sufficient for electrical connection while the flexibility permits axial movement when needed. This dynamic design resolves the contradiction between maintaining reliable electrical contact and enabling necessary mechanical movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact characteristics between the bias electrode and relay electrode are optimized by controlling the plate thickness and elastic properties of the bias electrode. By adjusting these parameters, the contact pressure is maintained at an optimal level that ensures reliable electrical connection without generating excessive friction that would inhibit axial movement of the developer cartridge.
2Manufacturing precision
If the photosensitive drum is manufactured with perfect circular shape, then uniform pressing force is achieved, but manufacturing cost and precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible plate spring structure of the bias electrode serves as a cushioning element that compensates for shape irregularities of the photosensitive drum. The elastic deformation capability of the plate spring allows it to absorb variations in drum roundness, maintaining consistent electrical contact and pressing force even when the drum is not perfectly circular, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic properties and geometric parameters of the bias electrode are optimized to accommodate normal variations in drum shape. By tuning the plate thickness, width, and material properties, the system can tolerate certain degrees of eccentricity and non-circularity in the photosensitive drum while still achieving uniform pressing force and reliable electrical connection.
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 ensures the developing roller presses the photosensitive drum uniformly, maintaining consistent contact and improving image quality by reducing friction and accommodating the drum's eccentricity, thus preventing movement inhibition.
Implementation Method 1
the electrode plate is bended such that the base portion and the second extending portion are brought closer to each other in the left-right direction. The electrode plate can be deformed largely in the left-right direction by an extension of the first extending portion to the right.
Data Source
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AI summary
In a developer cartridge, the base portion is fixed to an outer surface of the one side of the frame, and extends from one end thereof to another end thereof in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The first extending portion extends from one end thereof to another end thereof in the first direction. The one end of the first extending portion is connected to the another end of the base portion. The second extending portion extends from one end thereof to another end thereof in a direction opposite to the second direction. The one end of the second extending portion is connected to the another end of the first extending portion. The input portion is connected to the another end of the second extending portion and inputs electrical power from an external device. The electrode is deformable such that a distance between the base portion and the second extending portion becomes smaller.