Developing Cartridge Protrusion Fixation for Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing developing cartridges face challenges in reducing the size of the layer thickness regulating member due to the size constraints associated with the boss, screws, and the layer thickness regulating member, making it difficult to miniaturize the cartridge.
Innovation Solution
The developing cartridge design includes a main body with a developer transport member and a developer thickness regulating member featuring protrusions that extend between side portions of the main body, allowing for the deformation and fixation of these protrusions within cavities, enabling a more compact assembly by eliminating the need for large installation holes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large installation holes are formed to accommodate the boss, then the boss can be inserted and secured, but the size of the layer thickness regulating member increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of forming large installation holes in the layer thickness regulating member to accommodate the boss, the patent inverts the approach by providing installation holes in the developing frame and using protrusions on the layer thickness regulating member that fit into these holes. This reversal allows the boss to be secured without requiring large holes in the regulating member itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional insertion approach (horizontal insertion through large holes) to a three-dimensional approach where protrusions extend from the layer thickness regulating member and fit into cavities within the developing frame. This dimensional change allows for secure fixation with minimal impact on the regulating member's size.
2Strength
If the boss diameter is made larger than the screw diameter for secure insertion, then the layer thickness regulating member can be firmly positioned, but the overall cartridge size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning function is segmented into multiple components: protrusions on the layer thickness regulating member, installation holes in the developing frame, and screws for final securing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the protrusions providing initial positioning strength without requiring a large boss diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusions are designed to be inserted into the installation holes and positioned before the screws are fully tightened. This preliminary action establishes the correct position and orientation of the layer thickness regulating member, allowing the screws to then secure it firmly without requiring oversized bosses.
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 allows for a reduction in the vertical size of the layer thickness regulating member, thereby enabling the development of a smaller developing cartridge with improved assembly efficiency and design flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
the first protrusion may deform the second protrusion and may become fixed between the upper surface of the cavity and the second protrusion
Data Source
AI summary
Developing cartridges include a main body, a developer transport member, and a developer thickness regulating member. The main body includes a first and second side portions separated from each other along a direction. The developer thickness regulating member regulates a developer thickness and extends in a direction between the first and second side portions. The developer thickness regulating member includes an end portion, which is disposed near the first side portion, and a first protrusion, which extends along the particular direction from the end portion to at least the first side portion. The main body forms a cavity in the first side portion. The cavity is defined by at least a first surface, a second surface opposing the first surface, and a second protrusion that protrudes from the first surface toward the second surface. The first protrusion is fixed at a position between the second protrusion and the second surface.