Toner Cartridge Memory Interface Layout for Compact Imaging Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to provide space-efficient reading mechanisms for both toner and drum memories in image forming apparatuses, which are hindered by conflicting demands for size reduction and limited space for layout in the apparatus.
Innovation Solution
A toner cartridge design that includes a casing, a developing roller, a holder, a toner memory, and electrical contacts with wiring, allowing for compact and accurate electrical connections between the toner memory, drum memory, and the controller, enabling data reading and writing while accommodating the toner and drum cartridges within the apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate reading mechanisms are provided for both toner memory and drum memory, then data reading reliability is improved, but device size increases and space for layout is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the reading mechanisms for both toner memory and drum memory into a single integrated reading unit. This unified reading mechanism simultaneously reads data from both the toner cartridge memory and drum cartridge memory, eliminating the need for separate reading mechanisms and thereby saving space within the image forming apparatus while maintaining reliable data reading from both memory sources
Solution Approach 2:
The reading mechanism is designed with multi-functionality to perform dual purposes: it can read data from the toner memory and also read data from the drum memory. This universal reading unit serves multiple functions that would traditionally require separate dedicated reading mechanisms, thus reducing the overall space required for layout while ensuring reliable data acquisition from both memory sources
2Volume of moving object
If the image forming apparatus size is reduced, then productivity and portability are improved, but space for reading mechanisms is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the reading functions into a single integrated unit, the patent reduces the overall volume required for reading mechanisms. This consolidation allows the apparatus to maintain compact dimensions while still providing comprehensive reading capability for both toner and drum memories, effectively reducing apparatus size without compromising reading functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The universal reading mechanism performs multiple reading tasks with a single device component, reducing the complexity of the reading mechanisms layout. This multi-functional approach allows the apparatus to be more compact by eliminating redundant reading components, thereby reducing overall apparatus volume while maintaining full reading capability
Data Source
AI summary
A toner cartridge includes a casing, a developing roller, a holder, a toner memory, an electrical contact and a wiring. The holder is positioned at an outer surface of one side in a first direction of the casing. The electric contact surface is positioned at an outer surface of one side in a second direction of the holder. The second direction crosses the electric contact surface. The electrical contact is positioned on an outer surface of another side in the second direction of the holder. The wiring electrically connects the electrical contact and the electric contact surface. The electric contact surface includes a first electric contact surface and a second electric contact surface. The first electric contact surface electrically is connected to the electrical contact through the wiring. The second electric contact surface electrically is connected to the toner memory.