Integrated Guide and Power Terminal for Developing Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing developing devices in image forming apparatuses face issues with deterioration and toner depletion, leading to frequent replacements and size constraints due to the need for guide members and power receiving terminals on the side parts, which complicates the design and increases the size of the device.
Innovation Solution
The developing device incorporates conductive guide portions and bearing portions that function as both installation guides and power receiving terminals, allowing for reduced side components and a smaller housing size, while also featuring handles for easy installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If guide members and power receiving terminals are disposed on the side parts of the developing device, then the developing device can be properly installed and powered, but the housing size increases and design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the guide member and power receiving terminal into a single integrated component. The guide member includes a guide portion for installation guidance and a power receiving portion that receives developing bias, merging two previously separate functions into one component. This reduces the number of side components and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining both installation reliability and power supply functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide member is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical guidance during installation, supports the developing roller via bearing portions, and receives power supply through the power receiving terminal. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing device complexity while ensuring reliable operation.
2Reliability
If guide members and power receiving terminals are disposed on the side parts of the developing device, then the developing device can be properly installed and powered, but the housing size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member integrates the power receiving terminal into its structure, so that the power receiving functionality is incorporated within the same spatial footprint as the guide function. This merging eliminates the need for additional space that would be required for separate power receiving terminals on the side parts, thereby reducing the overall housing area while maintaining installation reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the developing device is designed with multiple side components, then the device functions are complete, but the ease of installation and removal is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member is segmented into distinct functional portions: a guide portion for insertion guidance, bearing portions for rotational support, and a power receiving portion for electrical connection. This segmentation allows each function to be optimized independently while maintaining a compact integrated structure, facilitating easier installation and removal while preserving complete device functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated guide member performs multiple functions including mechanical guidance, rotational support through bearing portions, and power supply reception. By consolidating these functions into a single component rather than requiring multiple separate side components, the device becomes easier to install and remove while maintaining full functionality.
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 enhances the ease of installation and removal of the developing device, reduces the overall size, and maintains efficient operation by integrating guide and power functions into the conductive components, thus addressing the challenges of frequent replacements and size constraints.
Implementation Method 1
The first guide portion protrudes outward from an outer surface of the support member and configured to be guided to an installation position of the developing device during installation of the developing device in the image forming apparatus.
Implementation Method 2
a first support shaft composed of a conductive member and disposed at an axial end of the rotating member
Data Source
AI summary
A developing device is detachably supported by an image forming apparatus. The developing device includes a housing that can store developer inside the housing, at least one rotating member rotatably provided for the housing, a first support shaft composed of a conductive member and disposed at an axial end of the rotating member, and a support member including a first bearing portion that supports the first support shaft and constituting a side face of the housing in an axial direction of the rotating member. The first bearing portion includes a first guide portion. The first guide portion protrudes outward from an outer surface of the support member and configured to be guided to an installation position of the developing device during installation of the developing device in the image forming apparatus.