Detachable Image Forming Unit Connectors for Mounting Misalignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of ensuring proper electrical connection between the main body and external units of an image forming apparatus when there is an inclination during mounting, which can lead to contact failures or connector breakage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of elastic members and movable connector units that allow for alignment adjustments, enabling secure fitting despite inclinations by allowing horizontal movement and rotation of terminal units, ensuring proper electrical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If connectors are rigidly fixed in position, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to mounting inclinations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with movable components including a sliding structure that allows the terminal to move horizontally, and a rotating structure that enables angular adjustment. This dynamic design allows the connector to adapt to mounting inclinations while maintaining precise electrical connection, resolving the contradiction between rigid positioning precision and adaptability to varying mounting conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If elastic members are added to enable movement, then adaptability to inclinations is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates elastic members (springs) that work in conjunction with sliding and rotating structures to enable adaptive movement. The elastic members provide the necessary force for the terminal to move and rotate, allowing the connector to accommodate mounting inclinations while maintaining reliable electrical contact, thus improving adaptability despite increased structural complexity.
3Reliability
If connectors are made movable to accommodate inclination, then reliability of connection is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs a combination of elastic members, sliding structures, and rotating structures that enable the terminal to automatically adjust its position and angle. This dynamic adjustment mechanism ensures reliable electrical connection even when mounting inclinations occur, as the terminal can move and rotate to maintain proper contact, thereby improving connection reliability despite increased assembly complexity.
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
Ensures reliable electrical connection and prevents damage to connectors by accommodating misalignments, facilitating easy attachment and detachment of external units.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic member connected between the first terminal unit and the first supporting unit or between the first supporting unit and the first housing; and a second elastic member connected between the second terminal unit and the second supporting unit or between the second supporting unit and the second housing
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a first housing and a second housing connected to each other, a first connector unit disposed on the first housing and including a first terminal unit and a first supporting unit that supports the first terminal unit, a second connector unit disposed on the second housing and including a second terminal unit that is electrically connected to the first terminal unit by being engaged with the first terminal unit in a first direction and a second supporting unit that supports the second terminal unit, a first elastic member connected between the first terminal unit and the first supporting unit or between the first supporting unit and the first housing, and a second elastic member connected between the second terminal unit and the second supporting unit or between the second supporting unit and the second housing.