Developing Cartridge Memory Holder Layout for Compact Mounting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The conventional developing cartridge design increases the dimension in the first direction due to the positioning of the holder that holds the memory outside the gear cover, which affects the overall size and compatibility with the image forming apparatus.
Innovation Solution
The developing cartridge incorporates a holder structure that is movable relative to the housing, with the electrical contact surface positioned at one end, allowing for a reduced dimension in the first direction by overlapping the holder with the gear cover and utilizing a spring mechanism for expansion and contraction, and is guided by the drum frame protrusion during mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the holder that holds the memory is positioned outside the gear cover in the first direction, then the electrical contact surface can be easily accessed, but the dimension of the developing cartridge in the first direction is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is repositioned from being outside the gear cover in the first direction to being positioned in the second direction (width direction), specifically between the gear and the cover. This dimensional shift allows the electrical contact surface to remain accessible while reducing the overall dimension of the developing cartridge in the first direction (rotation axis direction of the developing roller).
Solution Approach 2:
The holder is nested within the space between the gear and the cover in the second direction, utilizing the existing structural space rather than adding external components. This nesting approach allows the holder to be integrated into the compact structure without increasing the overall footprint in the critical first direction.
2Length of moving object
If the holder is positioned between the gear and the cover in the second direction, then the dimension in the first direction is reduced, but the holder may interfere with the gear operation
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is designed with specific local characteristics: it has a first end portion that contacts the gear and a second end portion that contacts the cover, with a spring mechanism in between. This local quality design ensures that the holder maintains electrical contact while accommodating gear movement, preventing interference with gear operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder incorporates a spring mechanism that allows it to dynamically adjust its position between the gear and the cover. This dynamic design enables the holder to move with the gear during rotation while maintaining electrical contact, thus preventing interference with gear operation while still reducing the overall dimension in the first direction.
3Reliability
If the holder is made movable relative to the housing with a spring mechanism, then the holder can accommodate gear movement, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism in the holder serves multiple functions: it maintains constant electrical contact between the memory and the external electrode, accommodates the rotational movement of the gear, and provides mechanical cushioning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while improving reliability.
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 reduces the overall dimension of the developing cartridge in both the first and second directions, enhancing compatibility and ease of mounting with the drum cartridge while maintaining effective electrical contact.
Implementation Method 1
the holder includes a first holder having the first end portion, a second holder having the second end portion, and a spring located between the first end portion and the second end portion and configured to expand and contract in the second direction
Data Source
AI summary
A developing cartridge includes a housing, a developing roller, a gear, a memory, and a holder. The developing roller rotates about a developing shaft extending in the first direction. The memory has an electrical contact surface. The holder holds the electrical contact surface. The holder is movable with respect to the housing. The holder has a first end and a second end that is separated from the first end in the second direction. The second end and the gear are arranged in the second direction.