Conductive Bracket for Imaging Roll Electrical Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrophotographic image forming devices face challenges in maintaining a consistent and robust electrical connection for imaging components, such as photoconductive drums and charge rolls, which is crucial for continuous operation and preventing print defects, while also minimizing costs.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves a rotatable roll with an electrically conductive shaft and a conductive bracket that forms part of the electrical path, ensuring a continuous electrical connection from the power supply to the imaging components, including a cleaner blade mounted on an electrically conductive bracket to remove residual toner, thereby maintaining adequate charging and preventing defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical contacts are used to mate with corresponding electrical contacts in the image forming device, then electrical connection is established, but the consistency and robustness of the electrical connection may be insufficient leading to print defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electrical connection functions into a single integrated structure. The conductive bracket serves both as a mechanical support structure and as an electrical conductor, merging structural and electrical functions to improve connection reliability while reducing overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive bracket is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the imaging components, establishes electrical connection between the power supply and the imaging components, and maintains proper positioning. This multi-functionality improves reliability without proportionally increasing complexity
2Reliability
If additional components are added to ensure robust electrical connection, then connection reliability improves, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive bracket integrates structural support and electrical conduction functions into a single component, eliminating the need for separate electrical contacts and connection elements. This reduces the total component count and manufacturing cost while maintaining robust electrical connection
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides mechanical support, electrical conduction, and positional alignment. This approach avoids the need for multiple specialized components, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while ensuring reliable electrical connection
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 ensures a reliable and consistent electrical connection, reducing the occurrence of print defects by ensuring the photoconductive drum and charge roll are adequately charged, while also being cost-effective by minimizing the need for additional components.
Implementation Method 1
The electrical contact is electrically connected to a first end portion of the shaft of the charge roll by way of a first electrical path and is electrically connected to a second end portion of the shaft of the charge roll by way of a second electrical path to transfer the electrical voltage to the charge roll
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for an electrophotographic image forming device according to one example includes a rotatable roll having an electrically conductive shaft. An electrically conductive bracket is positioned adjacent to the roll and in a spaced relationship from the roll along a length of the roll. An electrical contact is positioned to receive an electrical voltage from a power supply of the image forming device. The electrical contact is electrically connected to a first end portion of the shaft of the roll by way of a first electrical path and to a second end portion of the shaft of the roll by way of a second electrical path to transfer the electrical voltage to the roll. The bracket forms a portion of the second electrical path such that the electrical voltage transferring from the electrical contact to the second end portion of the shaft of the roll passes through the bracket.