Process Cartridge Frame Defines Feeding and Returning Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses that perform double-sided printing often face difficulties in removing jammed sheets from the returning path, as the path is not easily accessible and can be complex, leading to operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus and process cartridge design incorporate a cartridge frame that defines part of the feeding and returning paths, allowing for easier access and removal of jammed sheets by forming a space within the main body, enabling the sheet to be removed from the front side and facilitating the detachment and replacement of the process cartridge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the returning path is independently provided between the transfer roller and sheet feeding tray in the main body, then double-sided printing functionality is achieved, but the jammed sheet is not easily removed from the returning path
Solution Approach 1:
The image forming apparatus is divided into a main body and a detachable process cartridge. The process cartridge includes the photosensitive drum, development unit, and transfer roller, and can be easily removed from the main body. This segmentation allows users to access and remove jammed sheets from the returning path by simply detaching the process cartridge, without needing to disassemble the entire apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The process cartridge is extracted as a separate, removable unit from the main body. By taking out the process cartridge, the returning path becomes accessible, allowing users to easily remove jammed sheets. This extraction principle transforms the previously enclosed and hard-to-access returning path into an easily accessible area.
2Device complexity
If the returning path is enclosed within the main body, then the apparatus structure is compact, but the path is not easily accessible for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is segmented into a main body and a detachable process cartridge. The process cartridge contains the transfer roller and is responsible for defining part of the returning path. By segmenting the apparatus, the returning path remains enclosed within the compact main body during operation, but becomes easily accessible when the process cartridge is removed for maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The process cartridge is designed to be dynamically removable and reattachable. This dynamic design allows the returning path to transition between an enclosed state during operation and an accessible state during maintenance, combining compactness with ease of repair.
3Ease of repair
If the process cartridge is detachably attachable to the main body, then maintenance and cartridge replacement are facilitated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image forming apparatus is segmented into a main body and a process cartridge that can be detachably attached. The process cartridge includes the photosensitive drum, development unit, and transfer roller. This segmentation facilitates easy maintenance and cartridge replacement, as users can simply detach the entire process cartridge without disassembling the main body.
Solution Approach 2:
The process cartridge serves multiple functions: it houses the photosensitive drum for image formation, the development unit for toner application, and the transfer roller for transferring images to sheets. By consolidating these functions into a single detachable unit, the design simplifies maintenance while managing complexity through functional integration.
Data Source
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AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: a main body; a process cartridge detachably attachable to the main body, the process cartridge including an image carrier configured to carry a developer image thereon and a cartridge frame; a feeding path configured to feed a recording sheet to a transfer position where the developer image carried on the image carrier is transferred to the recording sheet; and a returning path configured to return the recording sheet that has passed the transfer position to the feeding path. The cartridge frame defines at least a part of the feeding path and at least a part of the returning path.