Conveyance Unit Grounding via Dynamic Wiring and Contact Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face challenges in safely grounding electric charges on guide plates to prevent user shock and electronic device damage during operation and maintenance, especially when the conveyance unit is opened or closed.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a conveyance unit with a guide plate and first wiring that connects to a ground contact, allowing the guide plate to be grounded through a resistance element when closed and directly to the ground when opened, ensuring safe discharge of static electricity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the guide plate is continuously grounded through a fixed wiring connection, then safety is maintained, but the conveyance unit cannot be opened or closed freely
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding connection is made dynamic by allowing the second end of the first wiring to move freely as it connects to and disconnects from the ground contact. This enables the conveyance unit to be opened and closed while maintaining grounding safety through the contact spring mechanism that activates only when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact spring acts as an intermediary between the third end of the first wiring and the ground contact. It mediates the grounding connection by making electrical contact only when the conveyance unit is in the closed position, thereby enabling free movement while ensuring safety when required.
2Ease of repair
If the conveyance unit is opened to access internal components, then maintenance is enabled, but electric charges on the guide plate may cause user shock or electronic device damage
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding mechanism is activated in advance when the conveyance unit is closed, ensuring that any electric charges on the guide plate are discharged before maintenance operations begin. This preliminary grounding action prevents user shock and electronic device damage during maintenance activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The potential harmful electric charges on the guide plate are converted into a beneficial safety feature by providing a controlled discharge path through the first wiring and contact spring. The grounding mechanism transforms the hazard of accumulated charges into a protective function that activates automatically when the unit is closed.
3Device complexity
If a simple wiring connection is used between the guide plate and ground contact, then device complexity is reduced, but the conveyance unit cannot be opened and closed freely
Solution Approach 1:
The wiring structure is segmented into multiple components: the first wiring with its first end connected to the guide plate, the second end that moves freely to connect with the ground contact, and the contact spring that provides the actual electrical connection. This segmentation enables the conveyance unit to move freely while maintaining grounding functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connection parameter changes dynamically based on the position of the conveyance unit. When closed, the contact spring makes electrical contact to ground the guide plate; when opened, the connection is broken. This parameter change enables free movement while maintaining grounding safety when required.
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 effectively prevents user shock and protects electronic devices by ensuring the guide plate is grounded at the appropriate potential, maintaining safety and functionality during operation and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
the third end makes an electrical connection with the contact spring... the second main line connects the contact spring, the resistance element, and the ground spring
Implementation Method 2
the second main line connects the contact spring, the resistance element, and the ground spring
Data Source
AI summary
In an image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure, when a conveyance unit is closed, a second end is disconnected from a ground contact, and a third end makes an electrical connection with a contact spring. When the conveyance unit is opened, the second end makes an electrical connection with the ground contact, and the third end is disconnected from the contact spring.