Segmented Drum Support for Cartridge Recycling Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing recycling methods for electrophotographic image forming apparatus cartridges are complex and inefficient, particularly in maintaining the positional accuracy of the photosensitive drum, which affects image quality when the drum supporting member is detached and reattached during the recycling process.
Innovation Solution
A manufacturing method that involves dividing the drum supporting member into specific portions to facilitate easy detachment and reattachment, using a terpene-based solvent for bonding, and employing screws for secure fastening, ensuring precise positioning and stability of the image bearing unit components during the recycling and reassembly of the cartridge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the drum supporting member is detached and reattached during recycling, then the cartridge can be refurbished and reused, but the positional accuracy of the photosensitive drum deteriorates, affecting image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The drum supporting member is divided into a first drum supporting member and a second drum supporting member. The first member supports the photosensitive drum at one end, while the second member supports it at the other end. This segmentation allows each portion to be independently detached and reattached, maintaining positional accuracy during recycling while enabling cartridge refurbishment.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the drum supporting member is made as a single integrated piece, then the structure is simple and stable, but it becomes difficult to detach and reattach during recycling
Solution Approach 1:
The drum supporting member is segmented into two separate members that can be independently attached and detached. This segmentation enables easy disassembly during recycling while each individual member maintains sufficient structural stability to support the photosensitive drum securely during reattachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second drum supporting members are designed with predetermined positions and attachment structures that ensure proper alignment when reattached. This preliminary design of the segmented structure allows for easy reassembly during recycling while maintaining the stability needed for proper drum support.
3Strength
If complex bonding methods are used to attach the drum supporting member, then the attachment strength increases, but the recycling process becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the drum supporting member into two separate members with simplified attachment interfaces, the bonding process becomes less complex. Each segmented portion can be attached using simpler methods while maintaining adequate attachment strength, reducing the overall complexity of the recycling process.
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 method simplifies the recycling process, maintains the positional accuracy of the photosensitive drum, and stabilizes image quality by ensuring precise alignment and attachment of the drum and developing units, extending the cartridge's usability and reducing the need for additional adjustment steps.
Implementation Method 1
using a terpene-based solvent for bonding
Data Source
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AI summary
A manufacturing method includes a dividing step for dividing a supporting member into a first divided portion including a fixed portion to a frame and a second divided portion including a second engaged portion, a divided-portion detaching step for detaching the second divided portion from the frame, and a separating step for detaching an engaging portion from a first engaged portion and separating a developing unit from the frame.