Movable Contact Holder Layout in a Compact Developing Cartridge

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing developing cartridges do not adequately address the issue of preventing the holder from contacting the agitator gear during relative movement, which can lead to rubbing and potential damage, while maintaining a compact size.

Innovation Solution

The developing cartridge design includes a protrusion positioned between the large and small diameter gears, with the holder positioned away from the agitator gear, allowing it to move relative to the casing without contacting the agitator gear, and a resilient member to ensure electrical contact surface alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a holder holding the electrical contact surface and slidable relative to the casing is provided to prevent rubbing, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical contact reliabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is designed as a separate slidable component that can move independently relative to the casing, allowing the electrical contact surface to be positioned accurately without affecting the overall structure. This segmentation enables the holder to be optimized for its specific function while keeping the rest of the device simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holder acts as an intermediary component between the casing and the electrical contact surface. It provides a sliding mechanism that allows the electrical contact surface to move relative to the casing, preventing rubbing while maintaining electrical connection. This intermediary structure simplifies the overall design by isolating the complexity to a single component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the holder is positioned to avoid contact with the agitator gear, then harmful factors are reduced, but the available space for arrangement is constrained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverubbing and contact damageVSAvoidarrangement space

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is positioned asymmetrically relative to the agitator gear, utilizing the uneven space distribution in the developing cartridge. By placing the holder at a location where the agitator gear does not extend, the design avoids contact while efficiently using the available space. This asymmetric arrangement allows both components to coexist without interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The holder is arranged in a different spatial dimension or plane relative to the agitator gear, allowing both components to occupy the same general area without interfering with each other. This dimensional separation enables compact arrangement while preventing harmful contact between the holder and agitator gear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Volume of moving object

If the developing cartridge is made compact in the first direction, then volume is reduced, but the arrangement of components becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecartridge sizeVSAvoidcomponent arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is nested within the casing structure, utilizing the internal space of the casing for its arrangement. This nesting approach allows the holder to be positioned inside the existing casing volume without increasing the overall cartridge size. The holder slides within the casing, making efficient use of the available internal space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The holder is designed with sliding capability, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position within the casing. This dynamic arrangement enables compact packaging while maintaining functionality, as the holder can move to optimal positions during operation without requiring additional space for adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20260016771A1Developing cartridge including movable holder for holding electrical contact surface

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A developing cartridge includes: a casing; a developing roller rotatable about an axis extending in a first direction; a first agitator; an agitator gear; a first protrusion; a developing memory; a first electrical contact surface; and a first holder holding the first electrical contact surface. The agitator gear includes a large diameter gear and a small diameter gear positioned between the large diameter gear and the casing in the first direction. The first protrusion protrudes outward from one end of the casing in the first direction, and is positioned between the casing and the large diameter gear in the first direction. The first protrusion is positioned away from the small diameter gear. The first holder is positioned farther from the first protrusion than the large diameter gear is in the first direction. The first holder and the first electrical contact surface are movable relative to the casing.