Developing Cartridge Memory Layout for Compact Image Forming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in managing the size increase due to the need for space for information communication between the developing cartridge and the apparatus main body, which can also lead to reduced developer capacity and usability issues, such as friction and damage during cartridge replacement.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a protrusion portion on the developing cartridge that guides and supports the memory medium, along with a cover member to protect the developing roller and electrical contact portion, allowing for compact design and easy replacement without damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If space for information communication parts is provided in the cartridge tray or developing cartridge, then communication between memory medium and control unit is enabled, but the size of the image forming apparatus increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation communication capabilityVSAvoidapparatus size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The guide member is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it guides the developing cartridge during mounting while also serving as the memory unit support portion that holds the memory medium. This integration eliminates the need for separate communication parts, maintaining reliability while reducing apparatus size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide member is a universal component that serves dual purposes: structural guidance during cartridge installation and support for the memory medium during operation. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by enabling information communication without adding dedicated space for communication parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Volume of moving object

If the size of the developing cartridge is reduced to secure component arrangement space, then space for information communication is available, but the amount of developer that can be stored decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecartridge sizeVSAvoiddeveloper capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The guide member combines the functions of cartridge guidance and memory medium support into a single structure. This merger eliminates the need for additional space within the developing cartridge, allowing the cartridge to maintain its size and developer capacity while still accommodating information communication components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If multiple protective members are provided to protect the developing roller and electrical contact portion, then damage during conveyance is prevented, but replacement work becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection during conveyanceVSAvoidreplacement time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cover member integrates protection for both the developing roller and the electrical contact portion into a single unified structure. This allows users to remove one cover member to access both protected components simultaneously, preventing damage during conveyance while significantly reducing replacement time compared to removing multiple separate protective members.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If a contact-type IC chip is used as the memory medium, then information about the cartridge can be stored and communicated, but friction and damage risks occur during cartridge replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation storage capabilityVSAvoidfriction and damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cover member provides beforehand protection for the electrical contact portion of the IC chip during cartridge conveyance and handling. By enclosing the vulnerable contact area before any potential damage can occur, the system maintains information storage capability while eliminating friction and damage risks during replacement operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS20260016772A1Image forming apparatus and developing cartridge

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 CANON KK

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes a main body including main body connectors, a cartridge tray including photosensitive drums, and cartridges mounted to the cartridge tray. Each of the cartridges includes a developing roller, a developing container containing toner, and a memory including a memory contact surface. The cartridges are removable from the cartridge tray in a state where the cartridge tray is in a drawn-out position. In a state where the cartridge tray is in a housed position, the memory contact surface faces upward and contacts one of the main body connectors, and each of the cartridges is movable between a contact position where the developing roller contacts one of the photosensitive drums and a separation position where the developing roller separates from one of the photosensitive drums while the one of the main body connectors and the memory contact surface contact each other.