Developing Cartridge Power Interface Linkage Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing power supply structure in image forming apparatuses requires multiple components and stages of contact, leading to increased complexity and a higher likelihood of contact failures between the developing cartridge and the power supply unit.
Innovation Solution
A simplified electrical connecting structure is implemented, where a connection terminal plate moves in linkage with the cover to make direct contact with the interface terminal of the developing cartridge, reducing the number of contact stages and components, and utilizing a coil spring for elastic deformation to ensure reliable power delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a multi-stage power supply structure with intermediate terminal is used, then the electrical connection between developing cartridge and power supply unit is achieved, but the number of components increases and contact reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the intermediate terminal from the power supply structure, reducing the electrical connection path from three components (interface terminal - intermediate terminal - connection terminal) to two components (interface terminal - connection terminal). This extraction of the unnecessary intermediate element directly reduces component count and eliminates an additional failure point, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of the intermediate terminal into the existing interface terminal or connection terminal structure. By combining the electrical connection function that was previously distributed across multiple terminals into a more integrated structure, the patent reduces the total number of components while maintaining the power supply function, thereby improving reliability without excessive complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple stages of contact are used for power supply, then the electrical connection is established, but the chance of contact failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the intermediate contact stage (intermediate terminal) from the power supply path. By reducing the number of contact stages from two (interface terminal to intermediate terminal, then to connection terminal) to one direct contact (interface terminal to connection terminal), the patent minimizes the opportunities for contact failure while maintaining reliable power delivery.
3Device complexity
If a simplified electrical connecting structure is used, then the number of components is reduced, but the reliability of power supply may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical connection function into a simplified two-component structure (interface terminal directly connected to connection terminal) while maintaining reliable power supply. The design ensures that the reduced structure still provides adequate electrical contact and power delivery, achieving simplicity without sacrificing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The simplified connection structure is designed to be self-sufficient, where the interface terminal on the developing cartridge directly engages with the connection terminal on the main body, eliminating the need for additional intermediate components. This self-contained connection mechanism maintains reliability through proper design of the direct contact interface.
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 enhances interface stability and reliability, reduces material costs, and improves productivity by minimizing the number of components and contact stages in the electrical interface between the developing cartridge and the power supply unit.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a coil spring for elastic deformation to ensure reliable power delivery
Data Source
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AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a body, at least one developing cartridge, which is disposed inside the body to form an image and is provided at one side thereof with an interface terminal to receive a power, a tray movably coupled to the body while accommodating the at least one developing cartridge, a cover coupled to one side to open/close the body such that the tray moves to the outside of the body, a link member configured to guide the movement of the tray and to move according to the opening/closing movement of the cover while being connected to the cover, and a connection terminal configured to make contact with the interface terminal by being pressed by the link member when the cover closes the body and to be separated from the interface terminal by being released from the pressing force when the cover opens the body.