Toner Cartridge Contact Layout for Rotational Force Misalignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge of maintaining a stable electrical connection between a toner cartridge and a printing apparatus is exacerbated by the positional changes induced by rotational forces and elastic sealing member forces during the mounting and removal of the toner cartridge, leading to potential damage and misalignment of electric contact portions.

Innovation Solution

The toner cartridge design includes an electric contact portion arrangement that accounts for both rotational and elastic forces, positioning it between these forces' directions, and incorporates a recess to protect the contact portion from external shocks, with a handle for stable mounting and a positioning portion to align with the apparatus, ensuring consistent electrical connectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the electric contact portion is positioned on the toner cartridge body, then electrical connection with the printing apparatus is enabled, but the contact portion is susceptible to damage and misalignment due to rotational forces and elastic sealing member forces during mounting and removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection stabilityVSAvoiddamage and misalignment of contact portion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by positioning the electric contact portion in a location that is protected from the harmful effects of rotational forces and elastic sealing member forces. The contact portion is strategically placed where it can withstand or be cushioned against these forces before they act upon it during mounting and removal operations, preventing damage and misalignment while maintaining reliable electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Ease of operation

If the toner cartridge is designed with mounting and removal functionality, then ease of operation is improved, but positional changes occur during these operations causing unstable electrical connection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting and removal capabilityVSAvoidelectrical connection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by designing the toner cartridge with an asymmetric configuration where the electric contact portion is positioned at a specific location that is not symmetrically aligned with the mounting/removal forces. This asymmetric positioning ensures that during mounting and removal operations, the contact portion experiences minimal displacement, maintaining stable electrical connection while preserving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Reliability

If the electric contact portion is exposed on the toner cartridge, then electrical connection is established, but the contact portion is vulnerable to external shocks and damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection establishmentVSAvoidexternal shocks and damage to contact portion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the nested doll principle by placing the electric contact portion within a protective structure or recess on the toner cartridge body. The contact portion is nested within this protective feature, which shields it from external shocks and damage while still allowing electrical connection to be established with the printing apparatus when the cartridge is properly installed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 maintains a stable electrical connection and reduces the risk of damage to the electric contact portions, enhancing the reliability and durability of the toner cartridge's electrical connection with the printing apparatus.

Implementation Method 1

force applied to the toner cartridge by the elastic sealing member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

force applied to the toner cartridge by the rotation of the coupler

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotational force: Torque

Data Source

PatentUS12493252B2Structure for electric contact portion of toner cartridge

Publication Date: 2025.12.09 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

A toner cartridge includes a body having a toner outlet therein, a coupler provided on the body, and an electric contact portion for electrical connection with a printing apparatus. Based on a force applied to the electric contact portion by an elastic sealing member between the printing apparatus and the toner outlet being referred to as a first force and a force applied to the electric contact portion by rotation of the coupler being referred to as a second force, a contact surface of the electric contact portion faces between a direction of the first force and a direction of the second force.