Electrode Ring Asymmetry for Inclined Contact Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrodes for image forming apparatuses, when the contact angle between the electrode and the contact target portion is inclined, result in unreliable electrical conduction due to only one contact point being in contact, reducing the reliability of electrical conduction properties.
Innovation Solution
The electrode features an elastically deformable spring portion formed by winding a conductive wire rod into a helix, with a ring portion that includes a first and second ring, where the second ring's contact point end protrudes further than the first ring's, ensuring contact at two points even when the angle changes, and compressing the spring portion to maintain contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a ring portion is formed by winding a wire rod twice to create two contact portions, then the structure is simple, but only one contact portion is in contact when the contact angle is inclined, reducing electrical conduction reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by arranging the two contact portions of the ring portion at different height positions in the axial direction rather than at the same height. This spatial arrangement in the axial dimension ensures that even when the contact surface is inclined, both contact portions can simultaneously contact the contact surface, maintaining electrical conduction reliability without increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetry by positioning the first contact portion and second contact portion at different axial heights, creating an asymmetric configuration along the axial direction. This asymmetric arrangement allows the contact portions to engage with an inclined contact surface more effectively, ensuring at least one contact portion maintains reliable electrical contact regardless of the inclination angle
2Shape
If the contact portions are placed at the same height position, then the ring portion structure is symmetric and simple, but electrical contact reliability decreases when the contact surface is inclined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately introduces asymmetry in the axial direction by positioning contact portions at different heights, breaking the symmetric arrangement. This asymmetric configuration is specifically designed to accommodate inclined contact surfaces, ensuring that the contact portions can engage effectively even when the contact surface is not perpendicular to the wire rod axis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar contact arrangement to a three-dimensional spatial arrangement by distributing contact portions along the axial dimension. This dimensional change allows the contact portions to engage with inclined surfaces more effectively, maintaining electrical reliability without compromising the overall simplicity of the ring portion structure
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 ensures reliable electrical contact at two points, enhancing the stability and reliability of electrical conduction across varying contact angles, maintaining a simple and effective contact mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically deformable spring portion formed cylindrically by winding a conductive wire rod into a helix
Data Source
AI summary
A contact point end portion of a second ring connected to a first ring portion on a power reception portion side protrudes further in the direction of a power reception portion than a contact point end portion of the first ring connected to a spring portion on a power reception portion side.