Movable Driver Coupler for Cartridge Power Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing printing apparatuses face challenges in efficiently decoupling and replacing toner cartridges, which can lead to interruptions in printing operations and waste due to the complexity of the driver coupling mechanism and power transfer processes.

Innovation Solution

A driver coupling mechanism that includes a driver coupler and power transfer member, allowing for seamless engagement and disengagement with the power driver, enabling easy insertion and removal of cartridges while ensuring continuous operation by using a worm gear-based power transfer system and elastic members for decoupling assistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a complex driver coupling mechanism is used to ensure reliable power transfer, then power transfer reliability is improved, but device complexity increases and cartridge replacement becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transfer reliabilityVSAvoiddriver coupling mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The driver coupling mechanism is segmented into a driver coupler integrated with the cartridge and a separate power driver integrated with the printing apparatus. This segmentation allows the cartridge to be replaced as a complete unit with its dedicated driver coupler, simplifying the overall system while ensuring reliable power transfer through the integrated coupling interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The driver coupler is merged with the cartridge assembly, and the power driver is merged with the printing apparatus. This merging ensures that when the cartridge is installed, power transfer is automatically established through the integrated driver coupler-power driver interface, eliminating the need for separate complex coupling mechanisms and ensuring reliable power supply.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Stability of the object's composition

If a fixed driver coupling mechanism is used, then power transfer stability is improved, but cartridge replacement time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transfer stabilityVSAvoidcartridge replacement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The driver coupler is designed as a movable component that can dynamically engage with and disengage from the power driver. During cartridge installation, the driver coupler automatically moves into engagement with the power driver, establishing stable power transfer. During removal, it automatically disengages, enabling quick cartridge replacement without manual intervention while maintaining power transfer stability during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If manual decoupling is required, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanism simplicityVSAvoidcartridge replacement ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The driver coupler is designed to automatically engage with the power driver when the cartridge is installed and to automatically disengage when the cartridge is removed. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual decoupling operations, simplifying the user operation while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing design through the automatic engagement/disengagement feature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Productivity

If a complex power transfer system is used, then printing continuity is improved, but productivity decreases due to replacement complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting continuityVSAvoidpower transfer system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The driver coupler is pre-integrated with the cartridge assembly during manufacturing, and the power driver is pre-integrated with the printing apparatus. This preliminary integration ensures that when the cartridge is installed, power transfer is immediately established without requiring complex real-time coupling operations, maintaining printing continuity while keeping the overall system relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution simplifies the cartridge replacement process, reduces downtime, and ensures uninterrupted printing by facilitating smooth power transfer and decoupling, enhancing the overall efficiency and user experience of the printing apparatus.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic member to move the driver coupler from the engaged position to the disengaged position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a worm gear-based power transfer system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWorm drive: Worm Drive

Data Source

PatentUS11662684B2Cartridge couplable to printing apparatus and having movable driver coupler

Publication Date: 2023.05.30 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

A cartridge couplable to a printing apparatus may include a driver coupler movable in a first direction toward an engaging position to engage with a power driver of the printing apparatus to drive the cartridge and a power transfer member including a power transfer part to transfer power moving the driver coupler in the first direction toward the engaging position, as the power transfer part moves in a second direction different from the first direction.