Drum Cartridge Thermistor Integration for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, thermistors located on the main frame are difficult to replace when they become inoperable, as they are not easily accessible to users.
Innovation Solution
A drum cartridge with a thermistor that is electrically connectable to a relay board, allowing for easy exchange and integration with the image forming apparatus, including a photosensitive drum, drum frame, developing cartridges, and toner memory, facilitates the replacement of the thermistor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the thermistor is arranged on the main frame between the photosensitive drums and fuser, then temperature detection is achieved, but the thermistor becomes difficult to access for replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image forming apparatus into separate functional modules: a removable drum cartridge containing the photosensitive drums, and a main frame containing the fuser and thermistor. By making the drum cartridge detachable, users can access and replace the thermistor by removing the drum cartridge, thus resolving the accessibility issue while maintaining the original temperature detection function
Solution Approach 2:
The drum cartridge acts as an intermediary component that, when removed, provides access to the thermistor. This mediator approach allows the thermistor to remain in its optimal position for temperature detection while enabling user access through the removal of the intermediate drum cartridge module
2Reliability
If the thermistor is integrated into the main frame structure, then stable temperature monitoring is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the drum cartridge from the main frame, allowing the thermistor to be installed in the main frame in a standardized position. This segmentation enables independent manufacturing of the drum cartridge and main frame assemblies, simplifying production while maintaining stable temperature monitoring through the fixed thermistor position in the main frame
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 easy replacement of thermistors, improves temperature detection and control, reduces manufacturing costs, and maintains apparatus functionality by independently controlling power supply to the thermistor and toner memories.
Implementation Method 1
a thermistor electrically connectable with the relay board
Data Source
AI summary
A drum cartridge including a photosensitive drum, a drum frame configured to retain the photosensitive drum and to accept a developing cartridge including a toner memory, which stores information concerning the developing cartridge, a first connector electrically connectable with the toner memory in the developing cartridge under a condition where the developing cartridge is attached to the drum frame, a relay board electrically connectable with the first connector, a second connector electrically connectable with a connector in an image forming apparatus and with the toner memory through the relay board, and a thermistor electrically connectable with the relay board, is provided.