Electroconductive Developing Blade Integrates Electrical Contact

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electrophotographic image forming apparatuses require complex electrical connections between the main assembly and developing cartridges, leading to increased parts, costs, and space usage.

Innovation Solution

A cartridge design where the electroconductive developer layer thickness regulating member directly contacts the main assembly electrical contact, simplifying the electrical connection and reducing the number of parts required for voltage supply.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an additional electrical contact member is provided in the developing cartridge to connect input electrical contacts with main assembly electrical contacts, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but device complexity and number of parts increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidcontact structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the electrical contact function with the developer layer thickness regulating member (developing blade). The developing blade is made electroconductive and directly contacts the main assembly electrical contact, eliminating the need for separate electrical contact members. This integration maintains reliable electrical connection while simplifying the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The developing blade serves dual functions: (1) regulating the layer thickness of developer on the developing roller, and (2) serving as an electroconductive electrical contact member. By making the developing blade electroconductive, it performs both mechanical regulation and electrical connection tasks, reducing the total number of components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate electrical contact members are used in the cartridge, then electrical connection is established, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage supply capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the electrical contact function with the existing developing blade structure, eliminating the need for separate contact members. This reduces component count, assembly steps, and manufacturing cost while maintaining voltage supply capability to the developing roller.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The developing blade is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical regulation of developer thickness and electrical conduction. This multi-functionality reduces the bill of materials and simplifies manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If additional contact members and connection structures are provided, then electrical connection is achieved, but space occupied in the cartridge increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidcartridge space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the electrical contact function into the developing blade, eliminating separate contact members and their associated mounting structures. This significantly reduces the space occupied by electrical connection components within the compact cartridge assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The developing blade serves dual purposes as both a mechanical regulation tool and an electrical contact element, eliminating the need for dedicated space for separate contact members and improving space utilization in the cartridge.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This design simplifies the electrical connection, reduces costs, and saves space by eliminating the need for additional contact members, while maintaining effective voltage supply to the developing cartridge.

Implementation Method 1

an electroconductive developer layer thickness regulating member for regulating a layer thickness of a developer deposited on the developer carrying member; wherein a part of the developer layer thickness regulating member is directly contactable to the main assembly electrical contact

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS8275283B2Cartridge with developer layer thickness regulating member and image forming apparatus including the same

Publication Date: 2012.09.25 CANON KK

AI summary

A cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes a developer carrying member for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on an image bearing member, and an electroconductive developer layer thickness regulating member for regulating a layer thickness of a developer deposited on the developer carrying member. A part of the developer layer thickness regulating member is directly contactable to the main assembly electrical contact.