Drum Cartridge Abnormal Discharge Detection Circuit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image forming apparatuses fail to adequately monitor and manage abnormal discharges in drum cartridges, leading to inappropriate monitoring and potential printing issues when cartridges are transferred between devices.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an abnormal discharge detection circuit and memory within the drum cartridge to track discharge history and life count values, allowing the controller to determine whether to permit printing based on threshold values and history, and implementing a test voltage process to assess charger health.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the drum cartridge is monitored by the controller of the casing, then the life of the drum cartridge can be monitored, but the abnormal discharge of the charger cannot be detected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring capabilityVSAvoidabnormal discharge detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring function is segmented between the controller (for life monitoring) and the abnormal discharge detection circuit (for discharge detection). This division allows each component to specialize in specific monitoring tasks, improving overall monitoring precision and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The abnormal discharge detection circuit acts as an intermediary component between the charger and the controller. It detects abnormal discharges and communicates this information to the controller, enabling the system to detect and respond to charger abnormalities without requiring the controller to directly monitor discharge conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the drum cartridge is transferred to another image forming apparatus, then the drum cartridge can be reused, but the controller cannot determine whether abnormal discharge has occurred

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecartridge transferabilityVSAvoiddischarge history information

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The discharge history information storage function is integrated into the drum cartridge itself, making it universal and transferable. The cartridge can be moved between different image forming apparatuses while retaining its discharge history, allowing any controller to access this information and make informed decisions about cartridge usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The drum cartridge autonomously stores its own discharge history information in its internal memory. This self-service capability ensures that the cartridge maintains its own operational records independent of any specific controller or image forming apparatus, enabling reliable tracking across multiple devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If the abnormal discharge detection circuit and memory are integrated in the drum cartridge, then accurate monitoring is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedischarge monitoring accuracyVSAvoidcartridge structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The abnormal discharge detection circuit and memory are merged into the drum cartridge assembly. This integration consolidates multiple functions (charging, monitoring, data storage) into a single unit, improving monitoring accuracy while managing complexity through functional consolidation rather than separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables accurate monitoring and management of drum cartridges across different image forming apparatuses, preventing printing when abnormal discharges exceed thresholds and prompting necessary cleaning or replacement, thus ensuring reliable operation.

Implementation Method 1

an abnormal discharge detection circuit configured to detect the abnormal discharge based on a current value of current flowing through the voltage applying circuit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical current measurement: Ohm's Law

Implementation Method 2

a voltage applying circuit configured to apply voltage to the charger

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage application: Electric Field

Implementation Method 3

a charger configured to charge an outer periphery of the photosensitive drum

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCorona discharge: Corona Discharge

Data Source

PatentUS11809113B2Drum cartridge for use with a toner cartridge in an image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2023.11.07 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes a drum cartridge and a controller. The drum cartridge includes a photosensitive drum, a charger and a drum cartridge memory storing a life count value and discharge history information. The controller includes a voltage applying circuit, and an abnormal discharge detection circuit. In a case where the abnormal discharge detection circuit detects an abnormal discharge, the controller does not permit printing in a case where the life count value is equal to or more than a first reference value and a number of abnormal discharges which is included in the discharge history information read from the drum cartridge memory is equal to or more than a particular threshold value, or permits printing in a case where the life count value is equal to or more than the first reference value and the number of abnormal discharges is less than the particular threshold value.