Retractable Toner Cartridge Connector for Precise Contact Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrophotographic image forming devices face challenges in accurately positioning and protecting electrical connectors of replaceable units, such as toner cartridges, to ensure reliable communication and prevent damage during insertion and removal.
Innovation Solution
A toner cartridge design featuring a movable electrical connector that biases towards a retracted position for protection and moves to an operative position for alignment, utilizing a linkage system and actuation force to ensure precise contact with the image forming device, while being protected by housing features to prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the electrical connector is fixed in position, then alignment with corresponding contacts is improved, but vulnerability to damage during insertion and removal increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to transition between a protected retracted position during insertion/removal and an operative position for electrical contact. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by enabling the connector to adapt its state based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is preliminarily positioned in the retracted state before insertion occurs, protecting it from damage during the insertion process. The connector is then actuated to the operative position after safe insertion, ensuring both protection and proper alignment.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the electrical connector is retracted for protection, then damage risk is reduced, but alignment precision with corresponding contacts deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector transitions dynamically between retracted and operative positions. When retracted, it is protected from damage; when actuated to the operative position, it achieves precise alignment with corresponding contacts for reliable electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
A linkage mechanism serves as an intermediary between the actuation force and the electrical connector, translating the actuation motion into precise positioning of the connector to ensure accurate alignment with corresponding contacts.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a retractable electrical connector is implemented, then protection from damage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector is designed to be automatically actuated by the insertion motion itself, eliminating the need for separate actuation mechanisms. The connector self-actuates from retracted to operative position as the cartridge is inserted, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation function is merged with the insertion operation. The same motion that inserts the cartridge also actuates the electrical connector, combining two functions into one mechanical action and simplifying the overall mechanism.
4Reliability
If precise alignment of electrical contacts is ensured, then communication reliability is improved, but protection from damage during service deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector can be dynamically positioned - retracted during service/repair to protect contacts and improve accessibility, then actuated to the operative position for reliable communication during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is preliminarily kept in the retracted position during service operations to protect the contacts and facilitate easier repair access. It is only actuated to the operative position when the device is ready for normal operation.
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 design ensures reliable and precise communication between the toner cartridge and the image forming device, reducing the risk of electrical connector damage and facilitating easy installation and removal while maintaining operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the electrical connector is biased by a biasing member toward the retracted position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A toner cartridge for use in an electrophotographic image forming device comprises a housing having a top, a bottom, a front and a rear positioned between a first side and a second side of the housing. The housing has a reservoir for holding toner, an outlet port in fluid communication with the reservoir and facing downward on the front of the housing for exiting toner from the toner cartridge and an electrical connector on the first side of the housing. The electrical connector is movable between a retracted position and an operative position and includes an electrical contact for contacting a corresponding electrical contact in the image forming device when the electrical connector is in the operative position. The electrical connector and the electrical contact of the toner cartridge move upward toward the top of the housing, when the electrical connector moves from the retracted position to the operative position, and downward toward the bottom of the housing, when the electrical connector moves from the operative position to the retracted position. The electrical contact of the toner cartridge is electrically connected to processing circuitry mounted on the housing. A linkage is operatively connected to the electrical connector such that movement of the linkage moves the electrical connector between the retracted position and the operative position. When the electrical connector is in the retracted position, the electrical connector is tucked into a portion of the housing and when the electrical connector is in the operative position, the electrical connector and the electrical contact of the toner cartridge protrude through an opening in the housing upward toward the top of the housing.