Process Cartridge Voltage Conversion for Fewer Conductive Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image-forming apparatuses require numerous conductive contacts for stable electrical connection with process cartridges, leading to complex structures and increased costs due to high strength requirements.
Innovation Solution
A voltage conversion apparatus within the process cartridge converts the voltage required by one image-forming member into the voltage needed by another, eliminating the need for direct power supply contacts on the image-forming apparatus, thereby reducing the number of conductive contacts and lowering structural complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each process cartridge is independently connected to the main body side with multiple conductive contacts, then stable electrical connection is ensured, but the structure becomes complicated and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple conductive contacts into a single conductive contact by integrating a voltage conversion module within the process cartridge. The voltage conversion module receives voltage through one conductive contact and internally converts it to provide appropriate voltage to multiple image-forming members, eliminating the need for multiple separate conductive contacts on the main body side.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage conversion module acts as an intermediary device within the process cartridge that receives voltage from the main body side through a single conductive contact and distributes converted voltage to multiple image-forming members. This intermediary function reduces the number of direct conductive contacts needed while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
2Reliability
If multiple conductive contacts are arranged on the main body side, then stable electrical connection is achieved, but the main body side requires high strength and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple conductive contacts are merged into a single conductive contact by placing a voltage conversion module inside the process cartridge. This module receives voltage through one conductive contact and internally generates appropriate voltage for multiple image-forming members, reducing the mechanical load and strength requirements on the main body side.
3Reliability
If each image-forming member is directly connected to the main body side, then voltage supply is reliable, but the number of conductive contacts increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple voltage supply connections into a single conductive contact by integrating a voltage conversion module within the process cartridge. This module receives voltage through one conductive contact and internally converts and distributes it to multiple image-forming members, reducing the quantity of conductive contacts from four to one.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage conversion module enables the process cartridge to self-generate appropriate voltages for its internal image-forming members by converting the voltage received from the main body side. This self-service capability eliminates the need for the main body side to directly supply voltage to each image-forming member through separate conductive contacts.
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 solution reduces the number of conductive contacts on the image-forming apparatus, decreases the force required, and lowers the structural strength and cost, while ensuring stable voltage transmission between image-forming members.
Implementation Method 1
the voltage conversion module is configured to convert a first voltage received by the first image-forming member into a second voltage
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides a voltage conversion apparatus, an image-forming assembly, a process cartridge and a process cartridge group. The voltage conversion apparatus is applied to a process cartridge. The process cartridge includes a first image-forming member and a second image-forming member. The voltage conversion apparatus includes a voltage conversion module, where an input terminal of the voltage conversion module is configured to be electrically connected to the first image-forming member, and an output terminal of the voltage conversion module is configured to be electrically connected to the second image-forming member; and the voltage conversion module is configured to convert a first voltage received by the first image-forming member into a second voltage. The first voltage is a voltage required for the first image-forming member to operate, and the second voltage is a voltage required for the second image-forming member to operate.