Processing Cartridge Adapter for Fewer Body-Side Contacts

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses require multiple conductive contacts on their body side to connect process cartridges, leading to complex structures and high costs due to the need for elastic contact forces, which increases the strength requirements on the apparatus body.

Innovation Solution

An adapter with an electrical transmission component and connection component is used to connect multiple process cartridges, reducing the number of conductive contacts needed on the image forming apparatus body by allowing cartridges to be electrically connected end-to-end through the adapters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If each process cartridge independently contacts and conducts electricity with the body side of the image forming apparatus, then good electrical conductivity is ensured, but the structure becomes complex and the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical conductivityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple conductive contacts on the apparatus body are merged into a single conductive contact. The adapter integrates multiple electrical connection functions into one unified structure, allowing multiple process cartridges to share a common electrical connection path through series connection, thereby reducing the number of contacts on the apparatus body from multiple to one.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter serves as an intermediary component between the apparatus body and multiple process cartridges. It includes a first conductive contact that connects to the apparatus body and second conductive contacts that connect to process cartridges, mediating the electrical connection and eliminating the need for multiple direct contacts on the apparatus body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If each process cartridge independently contacts and conducts electricity with the body side of the image forming apparatus, then good electrical conductivity is ensured, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical conductivityVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple conductive contacts on the apparatus body are merged into a single conductive contact. The adapter integrates multiple electrical connection functions into one unified structure, allowing multiple process cartridges to share a common electrical connection path through series connection, thereby reducing the number of contacts on the apparatus body from multiple to one.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter is a universal component that can be used with multiple different process cartridges. It provides multi-functional capability by enabling electrical connection for various imaging members (photosensitive drums, charging rollers, developing rollers) across multiple cartridges through a single standardized interface on the apparatus body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If many conductive contacts are provided on the body side of the image forming apparatus, then electrical connection is achieved, but the force requirements on the body side increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidbody side strength requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple conductive contacts on the apparatus body are merged into a single conductive contact. The adapter integrates multiple electrical connection functions into one unified structure, allowing multiple process cartridges to share a common electrical connection path through series connection, thereby reducing the number of contacts on the apparatus body from multiple to one.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical connection system is segmented into two parts: a single contact on the apparatus body and multiple contacts on the adapter. The adapter absorbs the mechanical stress from multiple elastic contact forces, while the apparatus body only needs to provide a single contact point, significantly reducing the strength requirement on the body side.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4614240A1Adapter, imaging assembly, processing cartridge, processing cartridge group, and image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.09.10 ZHUHAI PANTUM ELECTRONICS CO LTD

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AI summary

An adapter (l), an imaging assembly, a processing cartridge (100), a processing cartridge group, and an image forming apparatus (10). The adapter (l) comprises an electrical transmission component (11) and a connection component (12), wherein the electrical transmission component (11) comprises an input end (111) and an output end (112). the output end (112) is used for supplying power to an imaging member, the connection component (12) comprises a first end portion (121) and a second end portion (122), the first end portion (121) is electrically connected to the second end portion (122), the second end portion (122) is used for outputting a power source, and at least one of the first end portion (121) and the input end (111) is used for receiving an external power source. Processing cartridges (100) are electrically connected to each other by means of the adapter (l), such that the number of conductive contacts required to be arranged on the side where an image forming apparatus body (200) is located is reduced, thereby reducing the acting force between said side and each processing cartridge (100), reducing the strength requirement on said side. and reducing the cost.