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 with a module that converts voltage between different image-forming members within a process cartridge, reducing the need for direct power supply contacts and minimizing the number of conductive contacts on the image-forming apparatus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If each process cartridge is independently connected to the main body side with multiple conductive contacts, then stable electrical connection is achieved, but the structure becomes complicated and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection stabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple image-forming members (first and second image-forming members) into a single process cartridge assembly. The voltage conversion module integrates voltage conversion functionality within the process cartridge, merging power supply and voltage regulation functions that were previously distributed across multiple independent connections to the main body side.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The voltage conversion module acts as an intermediary device within the process cartridge. It receives voltage from a single conductive contact on the main body side and converts it to appropriate voltage levels for multiple image-forming members, eliminating the need for multiple direct conductive contacts between the main body side and each image-forming member.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple conductive contacts are arranged on the main body side for stable electrical connection, then good electrical conductivity is ensured, but the main body side is subjected to large elastic contact force requiring high strength

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical conductivityVSAvoidmain body side strength requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple electrical connection functions are merged into a single conductive contact interface. The voltage conversion module consolidates the electrical connection requirements, so instead of having multiple conductive contacts each subjected to elastic contact force, only one main conductive contact is needed, significantly reducing the total contact force on the main body side.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If four high-voltage contacts per process cartridge are used for stable connection, then reliable power supply is achieved, but at least 16 conductive contacts are needed on the main body side increasing cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage conversion module provides multi-functionality by handling voltage conversion for multiple image-forming members through a single power input. This universal module can serve multiple functions (voltage step-up, voltage step-down, polarity inversion) within one integrated unit, reducing the number of separate conductive contacts and associated manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The voltage conversion module changes voltage parameters (voltage level, polarity) internally rather than requiring separate physical connections for each voltage requirement. By transforming electrical parameters within the module, the system reduces the number of conductive contacts from 16 or more to just one main input contact on the main body side.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Reduces the number of conductive contacts required on the image-forming apparatus, decreases mechanical force, and lowers production costs while ensuring stable voltage transmission.

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS12493263B2Voltage conversion apparatus, image-forming assembly, process cartridge, and process cartridge group

Publication Date: 2025.12.09 ZHUHAI PANTUM ELECTRONICS CO LTD

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.