Elastic Segmented Pin Coupling for Cartridge Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional engagement and disengagement structures for rotational force transmission in electrophotographic image forming apparatuses face challenges with pin insertion pressure and material selection, requiring high dimensional accuracy and increased assembly complexity, which limits the swinging range of the coupling assembly and increases maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A cartridge and electrophotographic image forming apparatus with a rotatable member and a coupling assembly that includes a regulating portion to restrict the movement of the rotational-driving-force-transmitting member, ensuring engagement depth without narrowing the swinging range of the coupling assembly, using a flange with a gap accommodating the rotational force transmission member and an opposing portion to maintain engagement depth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pin is strongly fixed by raising insertion pressure, then the engagement reliability is improved, but the dimensional accuracy requirement increases and material selection is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The pin is divided into multiple segments that can elastically deform. When the pin is inserted into the through-hole, the elastic segments expand to create strong engagement without requiring high insertion pressure or extreme dimensional accuracy. The segmented structure allows the pin to flexibly adapt to slight variations in hole dimensions while maintaining reliable engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The material of the pin is changed from a rigid material to an elastic material that can deform. This parameter change allows the pin to achieve strong engagement through elastic deformation rather than through high insertion pressure. The elastic material can accommodate a wider range of dimensional variations in the through-hole while maintaining reliable engagement.
2Reliability
If the pin and coupling are fixed with adhesive material, then the engagement reliability is improved, but the assembly complexity and man-hour increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive material is completely removed from the engagement mechanism. Instead of using adhesive to fix the pin to the coupling, the invention uses a pure mechanical engagement system where the pin physically engages with the through-hole through elastic deformation. This extraction of the adhesive eliminates the need for complex assembly procedures involving bonding processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin automatically achieves strong engagement through its own elastic deformation when inserted into the through-hole. The elastic material self-adjusts to create the necessary engagement force without requiring external adhesive materials or complex assembly procedures. The system is self-sufficient and does not require additional materials or steps.
3Reliability
If the engagement depth between flange and pin is increased, then the engagement reliability is improved, but the configuration space inside the flange is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The pin is designed with elastic properties that allow it to dynamically adapt its engagement depth. Rather than requiring a fixed, deep engagement structure that would consume flange space, the elastic pin can achieve reliable engagement through controlled deformation. This dynamic approach allows sufficient engagement reliability without requiring excessive engagement depth that would limit flange configuration space.
Data Source
AI summary
A cartridge mountable in an image forming apparatus includes a rotatable member, a hollow cylindrical portion, having first and second inner grooves, that transmits a rotational force to the rotatable member, a coupling member having a spherical base portion and an axially movable pin penetrating the spherical base portion and having first and second end portions projected outside the base portion, and a limiting portion, provided in the first inner groove, for limiting axial movement of the pin. When the coupling member is inclined to a maximum extent within a predetermined inclination range, after movement of the pin is limited, so that the first end portion moves away, and the second end portion moves toward, the rotatable member, the first end portion is disengaged from the first inner groove, whereas the second end portion is engaged with the second inner groove.