Photosensitive Member Unit Electrode Dynamics

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Solution Overview

Problem

In conventional photosensitive member cartridges, the transfer roller's movement relative to the photosensitive drum can cause attrition between the roller shaft and the electrode member, leading to unstable electrical contact and biased power application.

Innovation Solution

A photosensitive member unit with a rotatable body and a unit electrode that moves in conjunction with the rotatable body, allowing the electrode to maintain contact and prevent attrition, ensuring stable power supply to the transfer roller.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the electrode member is fixedly engaged with the drum casing while the transfer roller is permitted to move, then the transfer roller can be positioned and biased properly, but the end face of the roller shaft may slidingly contact the electrode member causing attrition and unstable electrical connection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection stabilityVSAvoidattrition between roller shaft and electrode member

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode member is made movable in the lateral direction through a sliding contact structure with the drum casing, allowing it to dynamically follow the transfer roller's position changes while maintaining stable electrical contact, thereby preventing attrition and ensuring reliable power supply

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A sliding contact structure is introduced as an intermediary between the electrode member and the drum casing, enabling the electrode member to move laterally and maintain continuous contact with the transfer roller's roller shaft without causing harmful friction or unstable connection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the transfer roller is permitted to move relative to the drum casing, then the transfer roller can follow the photosensitive drum rotation, but the fixed electrode member causes unstable power supply due to sliding contact and attrition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfer roller movement capabilityVSAvoidpower supply stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode member is designed to move laterally through a sliding contact mechanism, enabling it to adapt to the transfer roller's position changes while maintaining stable electrical connection and reliable power supply throughout the operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8897665B2Photosensitive member unit having electrode and image forming apparatus using the same

Publication Date: 2014.11.25 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A photosensitive member unit includes a photosensitive member, first and second side walls, a rotatable body and a unit electrode. The photosensitive member defines an axis extending in an axial direction, and has first and second end portions in the axial direction. The first side wall rotatably supports the first end portion and the second side wall rotatably supports the second end portion. The rotatable body is rotatably disposed between the first and the second side walls. The rotatable body confronts and contacts the photosensitive member in a prescribed direction perpendicular to the axial direction to be movable in the prescribed direction. The unit electrode is provided at the first side wall and supports the rotatable body, the first side wall supporting the unit electrode to permit the unit electrode to be movable in the prescribed direction in conjunction with movement of the rotatable body in the axial direction.