Developer Mount Electrical Contact Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses require a large number of parts and user inconvenience due to complex electrical connections and interlocking mechanisms for detachable developers, which can lead to damage and reduced contact force.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a developer mount member, input contact member, output contact member, and intermediate contact member that electrically connects or disconnects stably without additional interlocking members, using an elastic material for the intermediate contact member to ensure reliable contact and reduce part count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an intermediate member is used to electrically connect the developer and main body, then electrical connection is achieved, but the contact force is reduced and the number of parts is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the intermediate member from the electrical connection path, allowing the input contact member on the developer mount member to directly contact the output contact member on the main body. This extraction of the intermediate component reduces the total number of parts while maintaining electrical connection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning where the input and output contact members are arranged to face each other in the mount direction, creating a direct contact path that is optimized for the mounting motion. This asymmetric arrangement eliminates the need for symmetric intermediate connection structures.
2Reliability
If an interlocking member is used to prevent damage to contact members, then damage prevention is achieved, but user convenience is reduced and the number of parts is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a resilient input contact member that can dynamically adapt its position. During mounting, the contact member flexes to accommodate alignment variations and maintains contact pressure, while during operation it remains stable. This dynamic behavior eliminates the need for rigid interlocking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the input contact member from rigid to resilient, allowing it to deform elastically under load. This parameter change enables the contact member to absorb mechanical shocks and misalignments without requiring additional protective interlocking structures.
3Reliability
If the contact force is increased to improve electrical connection, then electrical reliability is improved, but the risk of damage to contact members increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient input contact member provides dynamic contact force that automatically adjusts to the mounting conditions. During mounting, it exerts sufficient force to ensure reliable electrical connection, but during normal operation it maintains a controlled pressure that prevents excessive stress and potential damage to the contact surfaces.
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 solution minimizes the number of parts, enhances electrical contact reliability, reduces user inconvenience, and prevents damage to contact members during developer mounting and unmounting, while simplifying the electrical connection process.
Implementation Method 1
an intermediate contact member that is disposed on the front end of the developer mount member in the mount direction and is electrically connected to the input contact member, and electrically contacts or does not contact the output contact member as the developer mount member is mounted or withdrawn
Data Source
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AI summary
An image forming apparatus in which developers are detachably coupled to a main body. The image forming apparatus includes: a developer mount member on which the developers are mounted and that is attachable to and detachable from the main body; an input contact member disposed on the developers; a power supply unit that is provided in the main body; an output contact member that is disposed in the main body to face a front end of the developer mount member in a mount direction in which the developer mount member is mounted and is electrically connected to the power supply; and intermediate contact members disposed on the front end of the developer mount member in the mount direction and are electrically connected to a respective input contact member, and electrically contacts the output contact member as the developer mount member is mounted.