Coil Spring Electrical Connecting Member for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connecting members in image forming apparatuses, such as printers, often require complex structures and twisting mechanisms, leading to increased costs and difficulties in mounting, especially when using spring members like plate springs or torsion coil springs.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connecting member with a coil spring part formed by winding a wire around a coil axis, which contacts conductive members with elastic force in both circumferential and axial directions, simplifying the connection process and reducing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a plate spring is used for electrical connection, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but the structure becomes complicated and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connecting member is divided into distinct functional segments: a coil spring portion for elastic contact and bent portions for engagement. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining reliable electrical connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a simple coil spring structure with bent portions that can be easily manufactured and replaced. This approach replaces complex, expensive plate spring structures with a more economical solution that achieves the same electrical connection function through simpler geometry and standard manufacturing processes.
2Reliability
If a torsion coil spring is used for electrical connection, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but mounting work becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The bent portions are pre-formed during manufacturing to the required angles and orientations. This preliminary action eliminates the need for field twisting or complex mounting operations, as the connecting member is ready for installation in its final configuration, significantly improving mounting ease.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the user to twist the spring arms into position during mounting, the invention inverts the approach by pre-bending the portions to the correct orientation. This reversal of the mounting process transforms a difficult assembly operation into a simple installation task.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex structures are used for electrical connection, then positioning precision is maintained, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention maintains positioning precision by carefully controlling the geometric parameters of the bent portions (angles, lengths, orientations) rather than using complex structures. This parameter-based approach allows precise positioning to be achieved through simple, cost-effective manufacturing of the spring geometry.
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
The solution provides a stable and cost-effective electrical connection between conductive members, ensuring smooth mounting and maintaining positioning precision without requiring complex structures or twisting mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
The electrical connecting member comes into contact with one of the conductive members with elastic force in a circumferential direction around the coil axis
Implementation Method 2
comes in contact with the other of the conductive members with elastic force in an axial direction of the coil axis
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connecting member electrically connects between two conductive members. The electrical connecting member includes a coil spring part formed by winding a wire around a coil axis. The electrical connecting member comes into contact with one of the conductive members with elastic force in a circumferential direction around the coil axis and comes in contact with the other of the conductive members with elastic force in an axial direction of the coil axis so that the conductive members are electrically connected.