Process Cartridge Roller Separation Structure for Cover Strength
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The separation portion in conventional process cartridges is prone to deformation or damage due to supporting the weight of the cartridge, and the driving side protective cover is susceptible to deformation or breakage due to insufficient strength and design flaws.
Innovation Solution
The process cartridge is equipped with a covering portion that is flush with or lower than the separation portion to share weight bearing, and the second hole on the driving side protective cover is reduced in diameter with increased distance to the edge, enhancing structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the separation portion protrudes downward to receive pushing force for separating the developing roller and photosensitive drum, then the separation function is improved, but the separation portion becomes prone to deformation or damage when supporting the cartridge weight
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is divided into separate functional components: the separation portion maintains its force-receiving function for separating rollers, while the covering portion at the lower end provides structural support. This segmentation allows each part to specialize in its intended function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The covering portion acts as an intermediary element that transfers the cartridge weight to the frame structure, preventing the separation portion from bearing the load. This mediator protects the separation portion from deformation while maintaining its separation capability.
2Ease of operation
If the second hole on the driving side protective cover is positioned close to the edge to accommodate the developing roller coupling member, then the coupling function is improved, but the protective cover becomes susceptible to deformation or breakage due to insufficient strength
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cover is designed with non-uniform hole distribution where the first hole (for photosensitive drum coupling) has a smaller diameter and is positioned farther from the edge, while the second hole (for developing roller coupling) has a larger diameter but is strategically positioned to balance accessibility with structural integrity. This local variation in hole characteristics optimizes both installation ease and overall cover strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A process cartridge has a developing roller, a photosensitive drum, and the frame having a first frame rotatably supporting the developing roller and a second frame rotatably supporting the photosensitive drum. The first frame is movable relative to the second frame between a first position and a second position. The developing roller and the photosensitive drum are in contact at the first position and separated at the second position. A developing roller coupling member, a chip having an electrical contact surface and a separation protrusion with a force receiving surface at the lower end of the frame to receive a force to move the first frame from the first position to the second position. When the first frame is in the first position, a lower end of the force receiving surface is not lower than a lower end of the covering portion.