Developing Cartridge IC Chip Holder Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing developing cartridges for electro-photographic image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently attaching and detaching from the image forming apparatus, particularly in maintaining contact between the IC chip's electric contact surface and the connector during attachment and separation, which can lead to friction and potential wear.
Innovation Solution
The developing cartridge incorporates a mechanism with a holder and a coil spring that adjusts its position relative to the casing, allowing the IC chip assembly to maintain contact with the connector during attachment and separation, utilizing a columnar elastic member to facilitate smooth insertion and separation while minimizing friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the IC chip assembly is fixed rigidly to the casing, then the contact between the electric contact surface and connector is stable, but friction and wear occur during attachment and separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the IC chip assembly from fixed to movable by introducing a moving member that can slide along the casing. This parameter change allows the assembly to transition between contact and non-contact states with the connector, eliminating continuous friction while maintaining reliable contact when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the IC chip assembly movable rather than static. The moving member can dynamically adjust its position relative to the connector, moving to a second position for contact during operation and to a first position for separation during attachment/detachment, thereby reducing wear while maintaining contact stability when required.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the IC chip assembly is moved away from the connector during attachment, then wear is reduced, but contact reliability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by having the moving member alternately move to the second position (contact state) during normal operation and to the first position (separated state) during attachment and detachment. This periodic movement ensures contact reliability when needed while minimizing wear by separating the components during critical moments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by moving the IC chip assembly to the first position (separated state) before attachment occurs, and then moving it to the second position (contact state) before operation begins. This preliminary positioning ensures that contact is established reliably before the apparatus becomes operational, while avoiding wear during the attachment process itself.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a moving mechanism is added to the IC chip assembly, then friction and wear are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simple moving member that slides along the casing, utilizing a straightforward mechanical guide structure. This approach implements flexibility with minimal complexity, using basic sliding motion and positioning mechanisms rather than complex actuation systems, thereby reducing wear while adding only minimal structural elements.
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 ensures reliable and friction-reduced attachment and separation of the developing cartridge, maintaining the contact state between the IC chip's electric contact surface and the connector, thereby reducing wear and improving the operational efficiency of the image forming apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a mechanism with a holder and a coil spring that adjusts its position relative to the casing
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a columnar elastic member to facilitate smooth insertion and separation while minimizing friction
Data Source
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AI summary
A developing cartridge (1) comprising: a casing (10) accommodating developer therein; a developing roller (30) rotatable about an axis extending in a first direction and positioned at one side of the casing (10) in a second direction; a storage medium (61) having an electric contact surface (611); and a holder (62) movable relative to the casing (10) in the second direction with the electric contact surface (611) between a first position and a second position, the holder (62) having an outer surface (620) at which the electric contact surface (611) is positioned.