Exposure Unit Reader for Cartridge Positioning Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Non-laser type image forming apparatuses require high accuracy in the positional relationship between the exposure unit and the photosensitive member due to limited light intensity, and existing solutions struggle to maintain this accuracy while allowing detachable development cartridges without affecting the positional relationship.

Innovation Solution

The image forming apparatus includes a development cartridge with a first memory for storing cartridge information, an exposure unit with plural light emitting portions supported by the apparatus casing, and a reader unit to read the cartridge information, along with a guide mechanism to maintain the positional relationship between the exposure unit and the photosensitive member, enabling accurate reading and detachability of the development cartridge.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If the exposure unit is disposed closer to the photosensitive member to improve light intensity, then the light emitting portions can provide sufficient exposure, but the positional relationship between the exposure unit and the photosensitive member becomes more sensitive to detachment errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight intensityVSAvoidpositional relationship accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into separate functional modules: the exposure unit remains fixed to the apparatus casing, while the development cartridge is detachable. The reader unit is integrated into the exposure unit to read cartridge information wirelessly or via contactless interface, separating the reading function from the cartridge structure itself. This segmentation allows the exposure unit to maintain precise positioning while the cartridge can be easily detached and replaced.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A reader unit is introduced as an intermediary component that reads information from the development cartridge without requiring direct physical contact or compromising the positional relationship. The reader unit can use optical, magnetic, or radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to read cartridge information, acting as a mediator between the fixed exposure unit and the detachable cartridge.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the development cartridge is made detachable for ease of operation, then the cartridge can be easily replaced, but the positional relationship between the exposure unit and the photosensitive member may be adversely affected

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedetachabilityVSAvoidpositional relationship accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reading function is extracted from the development cartridge and integrated into the exposure unit. This allows the cartridge to be purely a consumable container that can be easily detached and replaced, while the reading capability remains with the fixed exposure unit. The extraction of the reading function eliminates the need for complex coupling mechanisms between the cartridge and exposure unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Measurement precision

If the reader unit is integrated into the exposure unit to read cartridge information, then the reading accuracy is maintained, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereading accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The exposure unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides exposure through light emitting portions and simultaneously houses the reader unit for reading cartridge information. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated reading devices and simplifies the overall system architecture. The reader unit utilizes the existing structural space and power supply of the exposure unit, avoiding additional complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The reading function is merged with the exposure unit rather than being implemented as a separate component. The reader unit is integrated into the exposure unit's structure, sharing common elements such as the housing, power supply, and control circuitry. This merging reduces the total number of components and simplifies the device while maintaining reading accuracy through the close proximity to the cartridge.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8238764B2Image forming apparatus and development cartridge in which information stored on the development cartridge can be read by the image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2012.08.07 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

An image forming apparatus is provided. A development cartridge having a first memory storing therein cartridge information is detachably mountable to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes: an apparatus casing and an exposure unit having plural light emitting portions. The exposure unit is supported by the apparatus casing so that the light emitting portions face a photosensitive member rotatably supported by the apparatus casing. The image forming apparatus further includes a reader unit disposed on the exposure unit and configured to read the cartridge information from the first memory when the development cartridge is mounted to the image forming apparatus.