Process Cartridge Handle Positioning for Structural Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional process cartridges face issues with deformation of the drum cartridge due to the increased weight of the toner cartridge, especially when the toner cartridge capacity is enlarged, leading to instability during handling.
Innovation Solution
The process cartridge design includes a drum cartridge with a drum handle positioned between protruding parts on the drum frame, and a toner cartridge with a toner handle that includes a grip part extending between these protruding parts, allowing both handles to be gripped together for improved stability and handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the toner cartridge capacity is enlarged, then the toner cartridge can store more toner, but the drum cartridge may undergo deformation due to the increased weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a support rod extending in the width direction (second direction orthogonal to the drum axis) to provide additional structural support. This dimensional addition reinforces the drum cartridge frame without interfering with the toner storage capacity, effectively distributing the mechanical load and preventing deformation caused by increased toner weight
2Ease of operation
If only the drum handle is gripped for moving the process cartridge, then the operation is simple, but the drum cartridge may deform under the weight of the toner cartridge
Solution Approach 1:
The support rod acts as a structural intermediary between the drum handle and the toner cartridge. By providing this additional support element, the system allows the drum handle to bear less mechanical load while still enabling simple gripping operation, thus preventing deformation without complicating the handling procedure
3Stability of the object's composition
If the drum handle and toner handle are positioned close together, then both can be gripped together for better stability, but the handles may interfere with each other
Solution Approach 1:
The support rod is configured to extend in the width direction, creating a spatial separation mechanism that allows both handles to be positioned close together for stable gripping while preventing interference through three-dimensional spatial arrangement. This dimensional positioning enables dual-handle gripping without increasing device complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
A process cartridge includes a drum cartridge, and a toner cartridge attachable to the drum cartridge. The drum cartridge includes: a photosensitive drum rotatable about an axis extending in a first direction; a drum frame having first and second protruding parts spaced part from each other in the first direction; and a drum handle provided at an end portion of the drum frame in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The drum handle is positioned between the first and second protruding parts in the first direction. The toner cartridge includes: a toner frame; and a toner handle provided at an end portion of the toner frame in the second direction. The toner handle has a grip part spaced apart from the end portion of the toner frame in the second direction by a prescribed distance. The grip part is positioned between the first and second protruding parts when the toner cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge.