Zhono Unveils New Patented Chip Solution to Drive Sustainability

Zhono Unveils New Patented Chip Solution to Drive Sustainability

Background

The latest research indicates that the average carbon footprint of remanufactured toner cartridges is reduced by up to 32% compared to new cartridges. However, the reuse rate of toner cartridges and ink cartridges has been much lower than the reuse potential in recent years, according to a report released by the European Union’s Joint Research Centre (JRC).

According to The Recycler, in Europe in 2022, “consumable sales for laser and inkjet devices were approximately 659 million (559 million ink cartridges and 100 million toner cartridges).” Worldwide, that number is a staggering 1.3 billion cartridges. When these ink and toner cartridges are depleted, only a small portion of them are recycled, totaling close to only 30% of all cartridges.

Challenges of Remanufacturing

When remanufacturing, factories in Europe, the Americas, and Japan often face certain challenges, such as patent issues. When reusing toner cartridges, there may be a need to use patented technology, and if permission is not obtained, there is a risk of patent infringement, leading to OEM lawsuits. A lawsuit with an OEM is not only costly but also a distraction to business. Therefore, it is important to ensure the products and components used are from an ethical, reliable supplier, and  ‘patent safe’.

The chip stands as a crucial element within every remanufactured toner cartridge. Chip suppliers must prioritize both the quality assurance of each chip and the protection of independent intellectual property to effectively introduce remanufactured toner cartridges to the market. The need for secure chips with minimal infringement risks has emerged as a primary concern for numerous chip manufacturers.

Zhono Solution

As an independent chip supplier, Zhono has always highly valued intellectual property rights and is committed to promoting environmental protection together with the cartridge remanufacturing factories. Since 2019, Zhono has devoted countless hours to researching and designing patented chip solutions for Ricoh copiers. To ensure that its chip solutions meet the key requirements of global remanufacturing factories, Zhono has revised more than ten versions of its chip solutions.

By the end of 2023, Zhono’s 12th version of the chip solution for Ricoh copiers had passed the verification test. “Through our innovative elastic contact design, this solution not only meets the requirements of the connection between chip contacts and the internal printer connection but also eliminates the risk of infringing upon OEM patents. Currently, our chip solution has obtained significant certification from a third-party organization in Japan,” said the spokesperson of Zhono.

Features of Zhono patented chip solution for Ricoh copiers:

1. Innovative design of “C”-shaped elastic contact.

The shape and material of the newly designed “C”-shaped elastic contact on the chip allows the elastic contact to have a non-rigid connection with the internal contacts of the printer. This ensures a better connection between the chip’s elastic contact and the internal contacts of the machine, while also providing a high fault tolerance in the contact, thereby significantly reducing the probability of damage to the internal contacts of the machine.

Connection between OEM Chip Contacts and Printer Internal

Connection between Zhono Patented Chip and Printer Internal

2. The memory (IC) and the chip holder are arranged in a staggered layout.

This design effectively prevents the contacts of the holder from accidentally touching the memory (IC) on the chip, thereby significantly reducing the risk of the memory (IC) being damaged.

3. The chip solution supports OEM cartridges and is environmentally friendly.

This chip can be used on both OEM and compatible cartridges. Zhono has conducted on-machine tests with many different copiers, including Ricoh IM C2500 / 3500 / 6000 / 2510 / 3510 / 6010, MP C2503 / 3503/ 6003 and MP C2504 / 3504 / 6004 series. Zhono has also compared our patented chip with other compatible chips on the market and found no issues with our chip. Our customers can be assured of the quality and performance of our chip solution.

As of December 2023, multiple chips from Zhono are already equipped with intellectual property rights, including the Brother 770 series. For more information, contact info@zhono.com.

Related:

• Zhono Releases Patented Chip Solution for Ricoh Copiers
• Zhono Summarizes New Releases in January
• Zhono Progeasy 3.0 Resetter: Elevating Resetting Experiences
• Zhono New Releases in December
• Zhono Summarizes New Releases in November

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