Process Cartridge Memory Holder Linkage for Low-Load Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of IC chips on both developing and drum cartridges increases the operational load for users during attachment to an image-forming apparatus due to the need for elastic members to prevent wear on electrical contact surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A process cartridge design where the holders for the IC chips on both the developing and drum cartridges are movable relative to their respective frames, with a connecting plate allowing the holders to move together, eliminating the need for additional elastic members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastic members are provided at both the developing cartridge and the drum cartridge to prevent wear on electrical contact surfaces, then the reliability of electrical contact is improved, but the operation load for the user increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the elastic member functions into a single location (drum cartridge) rather than distributing them to both cartridges. The holder in the drum cartridge is configured to move relative to the drum frame, and this movement is transmitted to the developing cartridge holder through mechanical coupling, allowing one elastic member to protect both electrical contact surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable holder mechanism in the drum cartridge serves multiple functions: it protects the electrical contact surface of the drum cartridge IC chip from wear, and simultaneously protects the electrical contact surface of the developing cartridge IC chip from wear through mechanical coupling. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of elastic members needed.
2Reliability
If holders for IC chips are made movable to prevent wear, then the reliability of electrical contact is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the holder mechanisms into a single movable component in the drum cartridge that controls the movement of both holders. Instead of having independent movable holders in both cartridges, the drum cartridge holder's movement is transmitted to the developing cartridge holder, reducing overall system complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design reduces the operational load for users by eliminating the need for elastic members, while still preventing wear on the electrical contact surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member that can expand and contract in a moving direction of the holder
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a technique installing a memory on a developing cartridge and a drum cartridge, and capable of reducing an operation load for a user at the time of attachment of the drum cartridge to which the developing cartridge is attached to an image-forming apparatus. The drum cartridge includes a first memory 71 having a first electrical contact surface 711, and a first holder 72 holding the first electrical contact surface 711 such that the first electrical contact surface 711 is movable relative to a drum frame. The developing cartridge includes a second memory 81 having a second electrical contact surface 811, and a second holder 82 supporting the second electrical contact surface 811 such that the second electrical contact surface 811 is movable relative to a casing. A plate 200 connects the first holder 72 and the second holder 82 to each other in a state where the developing cartridge is attached to the drum frame. The second holder 82 moves together with the plate 200 in accordance with movement of the first holder 72. With this structure, an elastic member need not be provided in the second holder 82, thereby reducing an operation load for the user.