Developing Cartridge Movable Electric Contact Surface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing developing cartridges experience rubbing issues during insertion and separation due to the electric contact surface interacting with the electric connector, leading to potential damage and inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

The electric contact surface is designed to move in a specific direction using first and second levers, allowing it to be aligned and separated without rubbing, ensuring smooth attachment and detachment of the developing cartridge.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the electric contact surface is fixed during insertion, then the structure is simple, but rubbing occurs between the contact surface and connector causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact surface durabilityVSAvoidcontact mechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electric contact surface is made movable through a lever mechanism that allows it to move in the insertion direction. During insertion, the contact surface moves along with the developing cartridge, preventing rubbing against the fixed connector. The lever system enables the contact surface to dynamically adjust its position, reducing mechanical stress and wear while maintaining electrical connectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the electric contact surface moves during insertion, then rubbing is reduced, but the mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverubbing damageVSAvoidlever mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A lever mechanism acts as an intermediary between the fixed connector and the movable contact surface. The lever translates the insertion motion into controlled movement of the contact surface, mediating the interaction between these two components. This intermediary mechanism allows the contact surface to follow the insertion direction without direct rubbing, while the lever itself absorbs the mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the contact surface is protected during insertion, then reliability improves, but the mechanism complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact surface protectionVSAvoidprotective mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a separate protective cover or shield, the patent employs a dynamic protection approach where the contact surface itself moves during insertion. This motion-based protection eliminates the need for additional protective structures, as the contact surface naturally avoids rubbing by following the insertion direction through the lever mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3382460B1Developing cartridge
Publication Date: 2022.07.27 BROTHER KOGYO KK
  • EP3382460B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3382460B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3382460B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A developing roller rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction is positioned at one end portion of a casing of a developing cartridge in a second direction. A holder, movable relative to the casing between first and second positions in a third direction crossing an electric contact surface of a storage medium, has one end portion, in the third direction, that holds the electric contact surface. A first lever is movable relative to the casing between third and fourth positions about a second axis extending in the first direction. A second lever movable together with the holder is movable between fifth and sixth positions relative to the first lever. The holder is at the first position in a case where the second lever is at the fifth position, and is at the second position in a case where the second lever is at the sixth position.