Developing Cartridge Holder Cover with Resilient Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional developing cartridges lack effective protection for their electrical contact surfaces, particularly during transportation and shipping, which can lead to damage due to external contacts and expansion/contraction stresses.
Innovation Solution
The developing cartridge design incorporates a holder with a resilient member and a holder cover that adjusts its length to protect the electrical contact surface, ensuring it remains secure and protected by maintaining the contact surfaces close to each other, even during transportation and attachment to the image forming apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the developing cartridge is shipped without attachment to the image forming apparatus, then the electrical contact surface is exposed and vulnerable to damage, but attaching it permanently would prevent protection during transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is divided into a holder body and a detachable holder cover. The holder cover can be attached or detached independently, allowing the electrical contact surface to be protected during transportation while maintaining the ability to attach/detach the developing cartridge freely when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The holder cover is pre-equipped with a resilient member that automatically urges the cover to close and cover the electrical contact surface when the holder cover is attached to the holder, providing protection before the developing cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus
2Device complexity
If the resilient member is allowed to expand and contract freely, then the holder structure is simple, but the electrical contact surface becomes vulnerable to external contacts and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient member is positioned between the holder body and holder cover to provide cushioning protection. When the holder cover is attached, the resilient member compresses and prevents excessive movement or expansion/contraction that could expose the electrical contact surface to damage
Solution Approach 2:
The holder cover acts as an intermediary protective element between the external environment and the electrical contact surface. It physically shields the contact surface while the resilient member mediates the mechanical stresses
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 solution effectively safeguards the electrical contact surface from damage caused by external contacts and expansion/contraction, ensuring reliable operation and extended lifespan of the developing cartridges.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient member is configured to expand and contract in the third direction
Data Source
AI summary
A developing cartridge includes: a casing, a developing roller, a storage medium having an electrical contact surface, a holder, and a holder cover configured to cover the holder. The holder has: a first outer surface holding the electrical contact surface, a second outer surface spaced away from the first outer surface in a third direction, and a resilient member connected to the first outer surface and to the second outer surface. The resilient member is configured to expand and contract to change a distance between the first outer surface and the second outer surface. The resilient member has a first length in the third direction in a state where the holder cover is detached from the holder. The resilient member has a second length in the third direction smaller than the first length in a state where the holder cover is attached to the holder.