Photosensitive Drum Cartridge Separable Frame Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing photosensitive member cartridges in electro-photographic type image forming apparatuses have insufficient rigidity, leading to inaccurate positioning of the photosensitive drum, which can result in image formation failures during assembly and mounting in the printer.

Innovation Solution

A photosensitive member cartridge design featuring a separable frame structure with a pair of holding members that engage both the upper and lower frames, ensuring accurate positioning and assembly of the photosensitive drum by providing a stable and rigid framework for the drum cartridge.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the cartridge frame is separable into upper and lower frames, then assembly of the photosensitive drum is facilitated, but rigidity of the cartridge frame becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly facilitationVSAvoidframe rigidity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The cartridge frame is divided into an upper frame and a lower frame that can be separated and assembled independently. The photosensitive drum is first assembled to the lower frame, then the upper frame is engaged with the lower frame to complete the assembly. This segmentation facilitates easier assembly operations while the engagement structure between upper and lower frames maintains sufficient rigidity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the cartridge frame is separable into upper and lower frames, then assembly is easier, but positioning accuracy of the photosensitive drum deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly easeVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is segmented into upper and lower parts that can be assembled separately, making the assembly process easier while maintaining positioning accuracy through precise engagement features between the segments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement structure between the upper frame and lower frame acts as an intermediary mechanism that ensures accurate positioning of the photosensitive drum. The upper frame engages with the lower frame at predetermined positions, serving as a mediator that transfers and maintains positioning accuracy across the separable joint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8971758B2Photosensitive member cartridge, process cartridge and image forming apparatus using the same

Publication Date: 2015.03.03 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A photosensitive member cartridge includes: a photosensitive member extending in an axial direction; a frame including a pair of photosensitive member receiving portions configured to receive axial end portions of the photosensitive member; and a pair of holding members configured to hold the axial end portions of the photosensitive member. The frame includes a first frame and a second frame separable from each other in a prescribed direction perpendicular to the axial direction and mating with each other such that the first frame provides a part of each photosensitive member receiving portion and the second frame provides a remaining part of each photosensitive member receiving portion. Each of the holding members is engaged with both of the first frame and the second frame.