Toner Cartridge Retainer Assembly for Circuit Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in image forming devices is achieving precise alignment and reliable electrical connection between processing circuitry in toner cartridges and the image forming device, while minimizing external forces and preventing contamination-induced malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A retainer assembly with positional control features, including a mounting platform, alignment devices, and inclined surfaces, ensures accurate alignment and secure electrical contact by engaging with the toner cartridge and image forming device, and features like cam surfaces and guide walls facilitate smooth insertion and prevent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If circuit board is mounted on supply item to enable electrical connection, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but dimensional variation and few locating features make accurate positioning difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A retainer assembly is introduced as an intermediary component between the circuit board and the toner cartridge. The retainer includes a mounting platform with positioning features that interface with the toner cartridge, and a cavity that receives and positions the circuit board. This mediator transfers and establishes the precise position of the circuit board relative to the toner cartridge, overcoming the dimensional variation and few locating features of the circuit board itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system is segmented into multiple independent components: the retainer assembly with its mounting platform, the circuit board mounted in the retainer, and the toner cartridge with its alignment features. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently with standard tolerances, while the assembly of these segments creates the precise final positioning through features like the mounting plane and alignment devices.
2Reliability
If connector contacts exert force on circuit board to establish reliable electrical connection, then electrical connection is secured, but force imbalance between toner cartridge and imaging unit causes print defects
Solution Approach 1:
The force application is segmented and distributed through multiple features: the mounting platform provides a distributed mounting surface, positioning features distribute mechanical loads, and the retainer acts as a force-distributing intermediary between the connector contacts and the circuit board. This segmentation prevents concentrated forces that would cause imbalance and print defects.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer assembly serves as a mechanical intermediary that distributes and balances forces. When connector contacts exert force to establish electrical connection, the retainer's mounting platform and positioning features distribute these forces evenly, preventing force imbalance between the toner cartridge and imaging unit that would cause print defects.
3Duration of action of moving object
If supply item undergoes many installations into printer, then usage life is extended, but contaminants settle in terminals causing contacting surfaces to wear and malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board with its vulnerable terminals is extracted from direct exposure to the contaminated environment. The retainer assembly's cavity receives and houses the circuit board, protecting its contacting surfaces from direct contact with contaminants like toner and paper dust that settle during repeated installations and removals.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer assembly acts as a protective intermediary between the circuit board terminals and the contaminated environment. During repeated installations, the retainer shields the terminals from direct exposure to contaminants, preventing the wearing and malfunction that would occur without this protective barrier.
4Stability of the object's composition
If retainer assembly securely attaches circuit board, then positioning stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer assembly is designed as a multi-functional universal component: it provides structural support for the circuit board, precise positioning through mounting features, mechanical protection of terminals, and force distribution during connection. This consolidation of multiple functions into a single retainer component achieves stable positioning without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A toner cartridge for an imaging forming device having a retainer for holding a circuit board having processing circuitry with a plurality of contacts. A reference datum point in the retainer aligns the circuit board with the retainer while an alignment device aligns the retainer with respect to the supply item that is inserted into a frame within the image forming device having an electrical connector with a plurality of connecting pins. When the retainer and circuit board are mounted on the supply item and the supply item is inserted into the frame, a pair of cam surfaces and a corresponding pair of supports spaced apart and extending from an outer surface of the housing, align the connector with the retainer with the retainer aligning the connecting pins of the connector with corresponding contacts of the circuit board for electrical interconnection therebetween.