Process Cartridge Chip Power Routing for Compact Drum Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image-forming apparatuses face challenges with increased cost, complex structural design, and larger size due to the need for additional power supply pins to support discharge components on consumables, which are necessitated by the limited internal space and high requirements for power supply stability.
Innovation Solution
A process cartridge with a photosensitive drum and a chip that includes a power supply contact, connected to a discharge component, which eliminates residual charge on the drum, reducing the need for multiple power supply pins by integrating power supply through a single pin to the chip, thus simplifying the apparatus structure and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional power supply pins are configured on the image-forming apparatus to power the discharge component, then the power supply stability to the discharge component is ensured, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power supply function for both the chip and the discharge component into a single power supply pin. The power supply pin provides power to the chip, and the chip then supplies power to the discharge component, eliminating the need for separate power supply pins and reducing structural complexity while maintaining reliable power delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The chip acts as an intermediary between the power supply pin and the discharge component. It receives power from the single power supply pin and distributes it to the discharge component, enabling the system to use fewer power supply pins while ensuring stable power delivery to both components
2Reliability
If additional power supply pins are configured on the image-forming apparatus, then the power supply stability to the discharge component is ensured, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple power supply functions into a single power supply pin configuration. By having the chip receive power from one pin and then supply it to the discharge component, the system reduces the number of pins required, simplifying the overall structure and reducing production costs while maintaining stable power delivery
3Adaptability or versatility
If more contacts are configured on the consumables side to support additional components, then the functionality of the consumables is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chip serves multiple functions: it receives power from the power supply pin, provides power to the discharge component, and enables the discharge component to eliminate residual charge on the photosensitive drum. This multi-functionality allows the system to enhance functionality without proportionally increasing the number of contacts or terminals required
Solution Approach 2:
The chip acts as an intermediary that enables the discharge component to function with minimal additional contacts. By handling power distribution and control through the single power supply pin connection, the chip allows enhanced functionality while keeping the contact requirements low
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a process cartridge and an image-forming apparatus. The process cartridge, detachably mounted on an image-forming apparatus, includes a cartridge body; a photosensitive drum, rotatably disposed on the cartridge body; and a chip, configured to be disposed on the cartridge body, where the chip includes a power supply contact configured to receive power provided by the image-forming apparatus. The power supply contact is configured to be electrically connected to a discharge component, and the discharge component is configured to eliminate residual charge on the photosensitive drum.