Door Grounding Spring Layout for Stable Image Forming Electrical Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
The contact pressure between a metal shaft and the main body frame in an image forming apparatus varies depending on the attitude of the door, leading to unstable electric characteristics and potential damage or malfunction of electric components due to electrostatic discharge.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a conductive portion that includes a wire spring on the door and a second conductive portion on the apparatus main body, where the wire spring exerts an elastic force to maintain stable electrical connection by overlapping the pivot axis line, ensuring consistent contact pressure regardless of the door's attitude.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a metal shaft is used as a conductive member to protect electric components, then electrostatic protection is provided, but contact pressure varies depending on door attitude leading to unstable electric characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the conductive member from rigid (metal shaft) to elastic (wire spring). This parameter change allows the conductive member to maintain stable contact pressure with the main body frame regardless of door attitude variations, thereby ensuring stable electric characteristics while providing electrostatic protection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamic element (wire spring) that can adapt its shape and contact pressure based on door position. The wire spring's elasticity allows it to dynamically adjust to varying door attitudes, maintaining reliable electrical connection throughout the door's range of motion
2Strength
If a rigid metal shaft is used to support the door, then structural support is provided, but contact pressure varies causing unstable electrical connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the conductive member from a rigid structure to an elastic wire spring. This parameter change enables the member to simultaneously provide structural support and maintain stable electrical connection by adapting its contact pressure to door position variations
Solution Approach 2:
The wire spring functions as a composite element combining both mechanical support and electrical conduction properties. This single component replaces the separate metal shaft and conductive member, achieving both structural and electrical functions with improved reliability
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
The solution provides stable electrical protection for electric components by maintaining consistent contact pressure and reducing contact resistance, ensuring reliable operation and durability of the electrical connection.
Implementation Method 1
the wire spring exerts an elastic force so as to press the second conductive portion
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus main body having a ground member, a door that pivots around a pivotal support shaft, an electric component provided on the door, and a conductive portion having first and second conductive portions. The first conductive portion is provided on the door and moves with the door. The second conductive portion is provided on the apparatus main body and is electrically connected to the first conductive portion and the ground member. The first conductive portion includes a wire spring having a contact portion that contacts the second conductive portion, and exerts an elastic force to press the second conductive portion. The contact portion is at a position overlapping the door pivotal support shaft when viewed in a direction of a pivot axis line of the door. The contact portion of the wire spring linearly extends over the pivot axis line of the door.