Electrical Connector Guides for Replaceable Unit Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electrophotographic image forming devices, there is a need for precise alignment of electrical contacts between replaceable units and the image forming device to ensure reliable communication and proper operation, as existing solutions lack effective positioning features for accurate contact mating.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a replaceable imaging basket with a frame featuring a positioning slot and a movable electrical connector with guides that bias towards the slot, ensuring precise alignment and contact mating between the replaceable unit and the image forming device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If simple electrical contacts are used without positioning features, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and reliability of contact alignment deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces guide features (protrusions and recesses) as intermediary positioning elements between the replaceable unit and the electrical connector. These guide features act as mediators that establish precise alignment before the electrical contacts engage, resolving the contradiction by adding minimal structural complexity while achieving high alignment precision without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The guide features perform preliminary alignment action before the electrical contacts make contact. The protrusions and recesses engage first to establish the correct positional relationship, ensuring that subsequent electrical contact engagement occurs at the precisely aligned position, thus achieving high manufacturing precision without complicating the overall connector structure
2Manufacturing precision
If precise positioning features are added to electrical connectors, then contact alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the positioning function from the electrical contact function. The guide features (protrusions and recesses) are separated as distinct elements from the electrical contacts, allowing each to be optimized independently. This segmentation enables precise positioning without requiring the entire electrical connector structure to be complex, as only the guide features need the precise geometry
3Ease of operation
If electrical contacts are made movable with biasing, then ease of operation during replacement is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the electrical connector movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust position during the replacement operation. The biasing mechanism enables the connector to move toward the replaceable unit during installation and return to its original position after engagement, improving ease of operation while keeping the structural complexity relatively low through the use of simple spring elements
Data Source
AI summary
A replaceable imaging basket for an electrophotographic image forming device according to one embodiment includes a frame having a positioning slot that is open at a top of the frame for receiving a replaceable unit. An electrical connector is positioned on an inner side of the frame adjacent to the positioning slot. The electrical connector includes an electrical contact on a front of the electrical connector that faces the positioning slot. The electrical connector includes a pair of outer guides and a pair of inner guides on opposite sides of the electrical contact. The inner guides are spaced inward from the outer guides. A top portion of a front surface of each of the outer guides tapers rearward away from the positioning slot as they extend upward. A top portion of a rear surface of each of the inner guides tapers forward toward the positioning slot as they extend upward.