Developing Cartridge Torsion Suppression via Orthogonal Force Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses like laser printers, torsion occurs in developing cartridges due to mismatched directions of power applied to the developing roller gear and the electrode member, leading to image forming defects.
Innovation Solution
The developing cartridge is designed with a driving force transmitting unit and an electrode member that aligns the power directions orthogonally to the developing roller shaft, ensuring balanced power application and reducing torsion by positioning the engagement and contact points parallel to the shaft, thus preventing image defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the input gear engages with the developing roller driving gear and the electrode member contacts the electrode plate, then the developing roller can be driven and developing bias can be applied, but torsion occurs in the developing cartridge due to mismatched power directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the input gear and electrode member at asymmetric locations relative to the developing roller shaft, specifically at angles of 90 degrees and 270 degrees respectively. This asymmetric arrangement creates opposite rotational directions for the gear engagement and electrode contact, which cancel each other's torsional effects and eliminate net torsion in the developing cartridge.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the electrode member's contact force as a counterweight to the input gear's driving force. By positioning the electrode member at 270 degrees (opposite to the input gear's 90-degree position), the vertical components of the forces balance each other out, counteracting the torsional stress generated by the gear engagement and preventing torsion in the developing cartridge structure.
2Productivity
If the input gear applies driving force to the developing roller gear, then the developing roller rotates, but image forming defects occur due to torsion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning of the input gear at 90 degrees and the electrode member at 270 degrees relative to the developing roller shaft. This asymmetric configuration ensures that the torsional forces generated during normal image formation operations cancel each other out, preventing the development of torsional stress that would otherwise cause image defects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent preemptively counteracts potential torsional damage by designing the force application points to create opposite rotational moments. The input gear's driving force and the electrode member's contact force are positioned to generate equal and opposite torsional effects, thereby preventing torsion before it can cause image formation defects.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the power directions are aligned orthogonally to the developing roller shaft, then torsion is suppressed, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a simple asymmetric positioning scheme where the input gear is placed at 90 degrees and the electrode member at 270 degrees relative to the developing roller shaft. This straightforward asymmetric arrangement achieves torsion suppression without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms or precision positioning systems, as the geometry itself provides the force balancing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a force balance system where the input gear and electrode member are positioned to generate equal and opposite torsional moments. This equipotential arrangement in terms of force distribution ensures that the developing cartridge experiences net zero torsion, simplifying the structural requirements for maintaining stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A developing cartridge that includes: a developing roller having a developing roller gear and a driving force transmitting unit; and an electrode member for applying a bias to a developing roller shaft. A direction of a driving force applied to the developing roller gear at an engagement portion between the developing roller gear and a transmission gear when the developing roller gear and the transmission gear rotate, and a direction of a force applied to the electrode member at a contact portion between a power supply member and the electrode member when the power supply member presses on the electrode member are substantially equal to a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the developing roller shaft.