Developing Cartridge Electric Contact Surface Friction Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Friction between the electric contact surface of the developing cartridge and the image forming apparatus or drawer unit occurs during attachment, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage.

Innovation Solution

The developing cartridge incorporates an elastic member that compresses or stretches between two states, allowing the electric contact surface to move between positions, reducing friction by changing its distance and contact points with the apparatus, thereby minimizing contact and wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the electric contact surface is made fixed and rigid for stable electrical connection, then electrical reliability is improved, but friction and wear during attachment increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidfriction and wear
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electric contact surface is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position during attachment. The holder can move in the attachment direction, enabling the electric contact surface to enter and exit contact with the protrusion smoothly, reducing friction and wear while maintaining reliable electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The position of the electric contact surface is changed as a variable parameter rather than a fixed parameter. By allowing the holder to move and the electric contact surface to change its position relative to the casing, the system adapts to reduce harmful friction during attachment while maintaining electrical reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the electric contact surface moves relative to the casing to reduce friction, then wear is reduced, but electrical contact stability may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovewearVSAvoidelectrical contact stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses dynamic movement of the holder and electric contact surface during attachment, but maintains stable contact once attached. The elasticity member provides a restoring force that ensures consistent contact pressure and position during operation, maintaining electrical stability while allowing movement during the attachment process to reduce wear.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The elasticity member acts as a cushioning element that absorbs shocks and maintains consistent contact force. By providing elastic deformation capability, it ensures smooth attachment with reduced impact and wear, while maintaining stable electrical contact during operation through consistent contact pressure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 design effectively reduces friction and wear between the electric contact surface and the image forming apparatus or drawer unit, facilitating smoother attachment and detachment while maintaining contact for efficient operation.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic member extending in a first direction which crosses the electric contact surface, the elastic member being capable of being compressed or stretched in the first direction between a first state and a second state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4009112A1Developing cartridge
Publication Date: 2022.06.08 BROTHER KOGYO KK
  • EP4009112A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4009112A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4009112A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A developing cartridge (1) comprising: a casing (10) configured to accommodate developer therein; a storage medium (61) including an electric contact surface (611); an elastic member (73) extending in a first direction which crosses the electric contact surface (611), the elastic member (73) configured to be compressed or stretched in the first direction between a first state and a second state; a holder (62) including an outer surface (620) being positioned toward a side of the holder (62) in the first direction, the electric contact surface (611) being positioned at the outer surface (620), the electric contact surface (611) being movable between a first position and a second position in the first direction relative to the casing (10); wherein a length of the elastic member (73) in the first direction is greater in the first state than in the second state, wherein the electric contact surface (611) is in the first position in a state where the elastic member (73) is in the first state, and wherein the electric contact surface (611) is in the second position in a state where the elastic member (73) is in the second state.