Process Cartridge Position Adjusting Mechanism for Interference-Free Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

In imaging devices, the rotational force output head often causes interference with the driving force receiving assembly during the detachment of the process cartridge, leading to wear or damage, especially at certain angles, which complicates the removal process and reduces the service life of the cartridge and device.

Innovation Solution

A process cartridge with a position adjusting mechanism that allows the rotational force receiving member to rotate to a preset position, minimizing interference with the rotational force output head during removal, eliminating the need for universal joints or axial extension/retraction, and simplifying the detachment process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a universal joint structure is adopted for the driving force receiving assembly, then the process cartridge can be separated from the rotational force output head without interference during detachment, but the manufacture cost is relatively high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetachment processVSAvoidmanufacture cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The driving force receiving assembly is designed with axial stretchability, allowing it to dynamically adjust its length along the axial direction. This dynamic adjustment enables the assembly to accommodate the rotational position of the output head, allowing smooth detachment without interference regardless of the output head's rotational angle, while avoiding the need for complex universal joint structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The axial dimension of the driving force receiving assembly is designed to be variable rather than fixed. By changing the axial parameter (length) of the assembly, it can adapt to different rotational positions of the output head, enabling interference-free detachment at any angle while maintaining a simple and cost-effective structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If a universal joint structure is adopted for the driving force receiving assembly, then the process cartridge can be separated from the rotational force output head without interference during detachment, but the structure complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetachment processVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a complex universal joint structure, the invention employs a simple axial stretching mechanism. The driving force receiving assembly can elongate or compress along the axial direction to accommodate the rotational position of the output head, achieving the same functional result with significantly reduced structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts and eliminates the unnecessary universal joint structure from the system. By using only the essential axial stretching capability, it removes the complex rotational adaptation mechanism while still achieving interference-free detachment, thereby simplifying the overall structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If the process cartridge is taken out forcibly when obstructed by the rotational force output head, then the detachment can be completed, but the coupled portions of the driving force receiving assembly and the rotational force output head will wear or be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetachment speedVSAvoidservice life
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The axial stretchable design allows the driving force receiving assembly to dynamically adjust its length during the detachment process. When the output head is in a position that would normally cause obstruction, the assembly can stretch axially to clear the interference, enabling smooth removal without forcing and preventing wear or damage to the coupled portions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The axial stretching capability is prepared in advance, allowing the assembly to proactively adapt to potential obstructions during detachment. By having the flexibility to stretch before contact with the output head occurs, the system prevents harmful interactions and ensures gentle, damage-free removal

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Facilitates convenient and quick detachment of the process cartridge without causing damage, ensuring smooth removal regardless of the rotational force output head's position, thereby extending the service life and reducing manufacturing costs.

Implementation Method 1

an operating assembly configured to exert a force on the driven member and force the rotational force receiving member to rotate to the preset position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3835876B1Process cartridge
Publication Date: 2024.10.02 ZHUHAI UN TERN IMAGING PROD
  • EP3835876B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3835876B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3835876B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A process cartridge (100), removably disposed in an imaging device (300) provided with a rotational force output head (301). The process cartridge (100) includes a cartridge body (1), a rotation component having a rotation axis LI, and a driving force receiving assembly (3). The driving force receiving assembly (3) is disposed at an end of the cartridge body (1), and includes a rotational force receiving member (31) and a position adjusting mechanism (32). The rotational force receiving member (31) is provided with a rotational force receiving portion (311), a connection portion (313), and a rotational force transmitting portion (312). The position adjusting mechanism (32) enables the rotational force receiving member (31) to rotate in a preset direction. There is no need to adopt a universal joint structure for the process cartridge (100). The process cartridge (100) can be directly removed from inside the imaging device (300), and the driving force receiving assembly (3) needs no axial extension and retraction, nor vertical translation during a removal, thereby simplifying a removal operation.