Drive Coupler Locking Member for Image Forming Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Image forming devices face issues with the theft of replaceable units and wear-related electrical failures due to frequent insertion and removal, necessitating a secure and cost-effective locking mechanism.

Innovation Solution

A locking system utilizing a drive coupler with an axial locking member that prevents disengagement when engaged, allowing secure locking and unlocking of replaceable units within the image forming device without the need for additional components or key management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a physical lock and key system is used to secure replaceable units, then theft prevention is improved, but device complexity and key management burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetheft preventionVSAvoidkey management

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking function is extracted from the main device body and integrated into the replaceable unit itself through the drive coupler mechanism. The replaceable unit carries its own locking capability via the axial locking member and pocket structure, eliminating the need for separate key management systems while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The replaceable unit performs its own locking and unlocking operations through the drive coupler engagement with the fixed drive coupler. The axial locking member automatically engages with the pocket when properly inserted, and the operational rotation of the replaceable unit automatically unlocks it, making the system self-sufficient without external key management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a solenoid lock mechanism is installed on the access door, then theft prevention is improved, but manufacturing cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetheft preventionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism uses simple, inexpensive mechanical components (axial locking member, pocket, and drive coupler) rather than expensive solenoid locks. These components are integrated into the replaceable units which are periodically replaced anyway, providing secure locking at minimal cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking function is merged with the drive coupling mechanism. The same drive coupler that transfers rotational motion also provides the locking function through its axial locking member, eliminating the need for separate locking components and reducing overall system cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If replaceable units are frequently inserted and removed, then maintenance flexibility is improved, but electrical contact wear increases leading to system failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance flexibilityVSAvoidelectrical contact durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism engages the axial locking member with the pocket before electrical contacts are subjected to wear from repeated insertion/removal cycles. This preliminary mechanical engagement secures the replaceable unit in place, reducing the frequency and force of electrical contact engagement and disengagement, thereby extending electrical contact life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If replaceable units are frequently inserted and removed, then component replacement capability is improved, but toner seal wear increases leading to toner leakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent replacement capabilityVSAvoidtoner seal durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism secures the replaceable unit through the drive coupler engagement before toner seals are subjected to wear from repeated insertion/removal. The axial locking member engages with the pocket to mechanically secure the unit, reducing the frequency and force of seal engagement and disengagement, thereby extending toner seal life and preventing leakage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9213303B2Replaceable unit for an image forming device having a drive coupler that includes a locking member

Publication Date: 2015.12.15 LEXMARK INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

A replaceable unit for an image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a drive coupler accessible on an exterior portion of a body of the replaceable unit. The drive coupler includes an axial locking member that prevents the drive coupler of the replaceable unit from axially disengaging from a corresponding drive coupler of the image forming device. The drive coupler of the replaceable unit includes an axial opening that permits the drive coupler of the replaceable unit to axially disengage from the corresponding drive coupler of the image forming device when the corresponding drive coupler of the image forming device is rotated relative to the drive coupler of the replaceable unit from its operative engagement with the drive coupler of the replaceable unit in a direction opposite an operative rotational direction of the drive coupler of the replaceable unit.