Toner Cartridge RFID Tag Storage Unit Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional toner cartridges face issues where the information holding unit, such as an RFID tag, can come off or get damaged due to external forces when attached to the outer frame, making it difficult to detach for recycling or leading to shifting during use.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves a storage unit within a housing unit that houses the information holding unit, with a lid member to open and close the storage unit, preventing contact with other structures and eliminating the need for adhesion, thus enhancing recyclability and preventing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the information holding unit is attached to the outer frame with strong adhesion, then the memory member can be prevented from shifting or coming off, but it becomes difficult to detach the memory member from the outer frame for recycling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the attachment system into two separate components: a recess provided in the outer frame and an information holding unit with a protruding portion. This segmentation allows the information holding unit to be securely retained during use while enabling easy detachment for recycling by simply removing the protruding portion from the recess, eliminating the need for strong adhesion.
2Reliability
If the information holding unit is attached to the outer frame, then identification information can be stored, but external force may be applied to the attaching portion causing the information holding unit to come off or be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the information holding unit from direct attachment to the outer frame surface and instead places it within a dedicated recess. The protruding portion of the information holding unit fits into the recess, providing mechanical protection against external forces while maintaining secure retention. This extraction from direct surface attachment eliminates the vulnerability to external forces that would otherwise cause the unit to come off or be damaged.
Data Source
AI summary
An exchange unit to be detachably attached to an image forming apparatus includes an information holding unit for communicating with a communication unit disposed in the image forming apparatus to read or write information; a storage unit for retaining the information holding unit; a housing unit having an opening portion for inserting the information holding unit into the storage unit; and a lid member for opening and closing the opening portion.