Process Cartridge Conductive Part for Stable Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image-forming apparatuses, particularly laser printers, face challenges with complex structures and reduced installation stability due to the large number of conductive terminals and elastic forces required for connecting multiple process cartridges, leading to increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A conductive part is integrated into the process cartridge, comprising an electrical receiving portion, an electrical output portion, and an electrical conduction portion, allowing power transfer between cartridges without direct contact with main-body terminals, reducing the number of conductive terminals needed on the main body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple second electrical contact portions are disposed on the main body to provide voltage to multiple image-forming members, then the electrical connection reliability is improved, but the elastic force exerted on the process cartridge increases and the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a conductive part as an intermediary component that bridges the main body and the process cartridge. This conductive part includes a first conductive portion contacting the main body, a second conductive portion contacting the process cartridge, and a conductive bridge connecting them. This intermediary structure enables electrical connection without requiring multiple elastic contact portions directly on the main body, thus reducing structural complexity while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connection system is segmented into separate functional components: the main body, the conductive part (with first, second, and bridge portions), and the process cartridge. This segmentation allows each component to have simplified functions - the main body doesn't need multiple elastic contacts, the conductive part handles the connection logic, and the process cartridge gets power without direct main body contact. This resolves the contradiction by distributing complexity across modular components.
2Reliability
If multiple second electrical contact portions are disposed on the main body, then the electrical connection reliability is improved, but the installation stability of the process cartridge is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive part serves as a mediator that decouples the electrical connection function from the mechanical installation function. The first conductive portion contacts the main body with a single contact point, while the conductive bridge extends to connect with the process cartridge. This intermediary structure means the process cartridge only needs to engage with the conductive bridge portion, reducing the cumulative elastic force that would otherwise be exerted by multiple direct contacts, thereby improving installation stability.
3Reliability
If multiple second electrical contact portions are disposed on the main body, then the electrical connection reliability is improved, but the cost of the image-forming apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive part acts as a cost-effective intermediary that eliminates the need for multiple expensive elastic conductive parts on the main body. Instead of manufacturing and installing multiple precision elastic contacts on the main body, the system uses a single conductive part with integrated connection points. This reduces manufacturing complexity and material costs while maintaining reliable electrical connections to all image-forming members.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive part performs multiple functions: it provides electrical connection to the main body, transmits power to the process cartridge, and enables connection to multiple image-forming members simultaneously. This multi-functional design replaces what would otherwise require multiple dedicated elastic contact portions, reducing overall component count and manufacturing cost while maintaining the reliability needed for electrical connections.
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 configuration simplifies the structure, improves installation stability, and reduces costs by enabling power transfer through interconnected cartridges, minimizing the need for direct contacts with main-body terminals.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical transfer portion, electrically connected to the electrical receiving portion, the electrical output portion and an electrical conduction portion respectively; and configured to transfer power received by the electrical receiving portion to the electrical output portion and the electrical conduction portion
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a conductive part, a process cartridge, and a process cartridge set. The conductive part includes an electrical receiving portion; an electrical output portion; and an electrical transfer portion. The electrical transfer portion is electrically connected to the electrical receiving portion, the electrical output portion and an electrical conduction portion respectively; and configured to transfer power received by the electrical receiving portion to the electrical output portion and the electrical conduction portion. When the conductive part is configured to conduct electricity to the process cartridge, the electrical receiving portion is electrically connected to a power supply at an outside of current process cartridge to receive a first voltage. The electrical output portion is electrically connected to an image-forming member in current process cartridge and transfers a second voltage to the image-forming member; and the electrical conduction portion outputs a third voltage.