Memory Placement on Drum Cartridge Side Surface

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing configuration of image forming apparatuses poses challenges in placing a memory at the leading end of drum cartridges or developing cartridges due to the presence of other components such as couplings and electrodes.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves positioning the memory at an end other than the leading end of the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge, allowing for a more feasible configuration that does not interfere with other essential components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the memory is positioned at the leading end of the drum cartridge or developing cartridge, then the information about the cartridge can be read easily during insertion, but the space for other components such as couplings and electrodes is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of information readingVSAvoidspace for components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The memory is repositioned from the leading end (axial direction) to the side surface of the cartridge (radial direction), utilizing a different spatial dimension to resolve the conflict between information accessibility and component space requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of information

If the memory is positioned at the leading end of the cartridge, then the cartridge information can be read during insertion, but the memory is at risk of accidental contact or damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation reading capabilityVSAvoidmemory protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The memory is extracted from the vulnerable leading end position and relocated to the side surface of the cartridge, separating it from the high-risk insertion zone while preserving its information storage and communication functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The memory is positioned in a protected location on the side surface of the cartridge, away from the leading end, to prevent accidental contact or damage during insertion and removal operations before they occur

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Device complexity

If the memory is positioned at the leading end of the cartridge, then the configuration is compact, but it interferes with the arrangement of couplings and electrodes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration simplicityVSAvoidcomponent arrangement flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cartridge structure is segmented into functional zones: the leading end for coupling and electrode components, and the side surface for memory placement, allowing each component to be optimally arranged without interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12242220B2Image forming apparatus with a memory positioned on a drum frame

Publication Date: 2025.03.04 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

An image forming apparatus including a main body casing, a drum cartridge, a developing cartridge, and an intermediate transfer belt. The drum cartridge includes a photosensitive drum, a drum frame, and a first memory. The intermediate transfer belt is positioned above of the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge in a state where the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge are attached to the main body casing. The drum frame includes a first end and a second end being apart from the first end in an up-down direction. The photosensitive drum is positioned at the first end. The first memory is positioned at the second end.