Segmented Cover Mechanism for Independent Cartridge Replacement

Solution Overview

Problem

In existing image forming apparatuses, users must demount the entire drum cartridge to replace the toner cartridge, which is inconvenient and prone to errors, as the drum cartridge is also unintentionally demounted or mounted during toner cartridge replacement.

Innovation Solution

The image forming apparatus features a housing with a rotatable first cover and second cover that allows for independent mounting and demounting of the drum cartridge and toner cartridge, where the first cover is opened for toner cartridge replacement and the second cover is closed to prevent drum cartridge movement, and both covers are opened for drum cartridge demounting, enabling easy and accurate replacement of both cartridges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the drum cartridge is demounted to replace the toner cartridge, then the toner cartridge can be replaced, but the drum cartridge is unnecessarily demounted and remounted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetoner cartridge replacementVSAvoiddrum cartridge demounting and remounting time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cover structure is segmented into a first cover and a second cover that can be opened independently. The first cover opens to allow toner cartridge replacement while the second cover remains closed to keep the drum cartridge mounted. This segmentation enables selective access to different components without requiring complete disassembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the drum cartridge is demounted to replace the toner cartridge, then the toner cartridge can be replaced, but user errors occur during unintentional demounting or mounting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetoner cartridge replacementVSAvoidreplacement operation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cover structure is segmented into a first cover and a second cover that can be opened independently. The first cover opens to allow toner cartridge replacement while the second cover remains closed to keep the drum cartridge mounted. This segmentation enables selective access to different components without requiring complete disassembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second cover acts as an intermediary barrier that prevents accidental demounting of the drum cartridge while allowing the first cover to open for toner cartridge replacement. This intermediary structure provides a mechanical constraint that guides user operation and prevents errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a single cover is used to access both drum cartridge and toner cartridge, then the structure is simple, but independent replacement of cartridges is not enabled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent cartridge replacementVSAvoidcover structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cover structure is segmented into a first cover and a second cover that can be opened independently. The first cover opens to allow toner cartridge replacement while the second cover remains closed to keep the drum cartridge mounted. This segmentation enables selective access to different components without requiring complete disassembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first cover and second cover are nested or overlapped in such a way that the first cover can open independently while the second cover remains in place. This nested arrangement allows for independent access to different components while maintaining a compact overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS10656591B2Image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2020.05.19 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes: a housing having an opening; a drum cartridge mountable and demountable through the opening; a toner cartridge mountable and demountable to and from the drum cartridge; a first cover; a second cover, wherein, when the first cover is at the opened position and the second cover is at the closed position, the toner cartridge is allowed to be mounted and demounted to and from the drum cartridge through a part of the opening while the drum cartridge is remained to be mounted to the housing, and wherein, when the first cover is at the opened position and the second cover is at the closed position, a part of the second cover contacts with the drum cartridge and prevents the drum cartridge to be mounted and demounted to and from the housing through a part of the opening.