Toner Cartridge Memory Placement for Signal Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatuses incur increased operational and maintenance costs due to the need for frequent replacement of toner and other components, such as developing rollers and supply rollers, which also require efficient placement and communication of memory devices like CRUMs within the developing cartridges.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a memory accessing unit that includes a main body with contact terminals and detachable units, where the memory is accessible through terminals on an exposed surface, allowing for proper mounting and signal communication between the toner cartridge and the image forming apparatus, reducing the overall size and enhancing the placement of memory devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the memory device is placed inside the developing cartridge body, then the signal communication between the memory and the image forming apparatus is established, but the overall size of the developing cartridge increases and the placement space is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The memory device is positioned on the side surface of the developing cartridge rather than inside the body, utilizing the lateral dimension for memory placement. This allows the memory to be accessible from the side while maintaining a compact internal structure, effectively resolving the contradiction between signal communication reliability and cartridge size.
2Quantity of substance
If the entire developing cartridge is replaced to replenish toner, then the toner is replenished, but other components such as the developing roller and supply roller are also replaced, increasing operational and maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The developing cartridge is divided into separable components: the cartridge body containing the developing roller and supply roller, and the toner cartridge that can be independently replaced. The memory device is attached to the cartridge body rather than the toner cartridge, allowing the toner cartridge to be replaced without replacing the expensive developing roller and supply roller components, thus reducing maintenance costs.
3Ease of operation
If the memory device is placed to allow easy access and signal transmission, then the signal communication is improved, but the placement location must not greatly contribute to the overall size of the developing cartridge
Solution Approach 1:
The memory device is positioned on the side surface of the developing cartridge, utilizing the lateral dimension for easy access and signal transmission. This placement allows the memory to be readily accessible for communication with the image forming apparatus while not increasing the overall volume of the cartridge body, as the memory protrudes from the side rather than expanding the internal space.
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 configuration allows for efficient communication and determination of toner cartridge status, reducing unnecessary replacements and maintaining cost-effectiveness by ensuring proper mounting and signal exchange, thus optimizing the operational efficiency of the image forming apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more contacts may include at least one plate spring that retractably protrudes inwardly into the main body to be in pressing contact with the one or more access terminals.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A toner cartridge (120), a developing device (100), and an image forming apparatus are disclosed, in which a memory (130) is provided in the cartridge such that it is accessible by image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes a developing device (100) detachably attached to the body of the image forming apparatus and a toner cartridge (120) detachably disposed in the developing cartridge, the toner cartridge including a memory (130) accessible from a surface of the toner cartridge exposed outside the developing cartridge when the toner cartridge is installed in the developing cartridge.