Shaft-Aligned Image Cartridge Casing Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image-forming devices, such as laser printers, face challenges in accurately positioning the photosensitive drum relative to other components due to manufacturing errors in the engagement and claw portions of the casings, making assembly and replacement of components cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a shaft with axial direction, an image carrying member with a shaft insertion-hole, and casings with through-holes to facilitate precise alignment and easy assembly of the image carrying cartridge, allowing for accurate positioning of the image carrying member and its components, such as the developer and transfer roller, within the image forming device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If engagement portion and claw portion are used to attach casings, then assembly is achieved, but manufacturing errors cause positioning inaccuracy and assembly difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the attachment system into modular components: a shaft with axial through-holes in the first casing, and corresponding engagement structures in the second casing. This segmentation allows independent positioning of each component, eliminating cumulative manufacturing errors that occur when multiple engagement features are combined.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft serves as an intermediary element that mediates the connection between the first and second casings. By using the shaft as a central reference component with precisely positioned through-holes, the invention creates a reliable positioning system that is insensitive to manufacturing variations in the casing engagement features.
2Reliability
If claw portion is locked into locking hole, then engagement between casings is achieved, but removal becomes difficult and component replacement is troublesome
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a dynamic attachment system where the shaft can be easily inserted and removed through the aligned through-holes. The engagement structures are designed to provide stable connection during operation while allowing simple disengagement when needed, transforming a static, difficult-to-remove connection into a dynamic, easily reversible one.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft is designed with through-holes that are preliminarily aligned and positioned before final engagement. This preliminary positioning ensures that when components need to be replaced, the shaft can be quickly removed and reinserted without requiring complex disassembly procedures, facilitating rapid maintenance and repair.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple engagement features are used to ensure positioning accuracy, then relative position is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the structural connection between casings, establishes the positioning reference through its through-holes, and enables easy assembly and disengagement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate engagement features, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
An image carrying cartridge includes a shaft, an image carrying member, a first casing, and a second casing. The image carrying member is formed with a shaft insertion-hole through which the shaft is inserted. The first casing includes two first walls formed with a first through-hole. Each of the first walls opposes each end of the image carrying member in a axial direction of the shaft. The second casing includes two second walls formed with a second through-hole. Each of the second walls opposes each of the first walls in the axial direction. The first casing and the second casing are coupled by insertion of the shaft through the first though-hole and the second through-hole to provide an inner space in which the image carrying member is accommodated.