Process Cartridge Handle Pivotal Axis Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional process cartridges experience significant inclination when the handle is grasped after use, due to the shift in the center of gravity caused by toner consumption, leading to potential damage and contamination of the photosensitive drum.
Innovation Solution
A process cartridge design where the rotational axis of the image bearing member is parallel to the pivotal axis of the handle, allowing the cartridge to be inclined such that the image bearing member is positioned upward in a non-used state and downward in a used state, with the center of gravity adjusted to reduce inclination and prevent contact with the photosensitive drum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pivotal axis line of the handle is positioned to overlap the center of gravity of the process cartridge body in the attached attitude, then it is possible to maintain the attitude of the process cartridge when carried, but the process cartridge is greatly inclined when grasped after use due to center of gravity shift
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the handle's pivotal axis line movable or adjustable relative to the center of gravity position. Instead of fixing the pivotal axis at a static position, the invention allows it to be positioned differently for non-used and used states, enabling the system to adapt to changing center of gravity conditions and maintain stable attitude in both scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the position parameter of the pivotal axis line based on the usage state. The pivotal axis line is positioned at a first position for non-used cartridges and a second position for used cartridges, where the second position accounts for the shifted center of gravity due to toner consumption, thereby changing the geometric parameter to compensate for weight distribution changes
2Shape
If the process cartridge is greatly inclined when grasped after use, then the handle position remains fixed relative to the cartridge body, but the photosensitive drum is at risk of damage and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-positioning the pivotal axis line at appropriate locations for both non-used and used states. This preliminary positioning prevents the harmful inclination from occurring in the first place, rather than attempting to correct it after the fact. The handle is designed to pivot about an axis that anticipates the center of gravity shift, thereby preventing excessive inclination and protecting the photosensitive drum before damage can occur
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the handle's pivotal axis position adaptable to the usage state. The system transitions from a static handle position to a dynamic one that can be positioned differently for non-used and used cartridges, allowing the handle mechanism to respond to changing weight distribution and prevent harmful inclination angles that would endanger the photosensitive drum
Data Source
AI summary
A rotational axis line of the image bearing member is parallel to a pivotal axis line of the handle. When the handle is grasped, the process cartridge body in a non-used state is inclined so that the image bearing member is positioned upward relative to a horizontal surface, and the process cartridge body from which developer has been consumed is inclined so that the image bearing member is positioned downward relative to the horizontal surface.