Exposure Head Flexible Flat Cable Maintenance Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing LED exposure heads in image forming apparatuses are difficult to maintain due to the complexity of exchanging flexible flat cables (FFCs), which can lead to broken contact points and cumbersome operations.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus is designed with an exposure head that includes a substrate with elongated shape, multiple light emitting elements arranged longitudinally, and a connector on the opposite surface. A flexible flat cable connects the connector to a control circuit board, with a contact point on the surface of the substrate, supported by an exposure support member to facilitate easier maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If FFC is connected to LED exposure head inside image forming apparatus, then electrical connection is achieved, but maintenance operation becomes difficult and contact points may break
Solution Approach 1:
The exposure head is separated from the main apparatus body, allowing the FFC to be connected to the exposure head externally rather than inside the apparatus. This segmentation enables easy removal and replacement of the FFC by simply detaching it from the exposure head connector, eliminating the need for complex internal disassembly and preventing contact point breakage during maintenance operations.
2Reliability
If FFC exchange requires detachment and removal from inside apparatus, then connection can be renewed, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The FFC connection point is extracted from the internal apparatus structure and relocated to the exposure head external surface. This allows the FFC to be connected and disconnected at the exposure head connector without requiring removal of components from inside the apparatus, significantly simplifying the exchange procedure while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
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 simplifies the maintenance process by allowing the FFC to be connected and disconnected more easily, reducing the risk of broken contact points and enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
multiple light emitting elements mounted on one surface of the substrate, the multiple light emitting elements being arranged in longitudinal directions of the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an image forming apparatus including: a flexible flat cable configured to electrically connect a connector with a control circuit board; and an exposure support member configured to support the exposure head in a posture where the light emitting elements are disposed on an upper side and the connector is disposed on a lower side of the image forming apparatus in upward and downward directions of the image forming apparatus. The flexible flat cable has a contact point that is provided on one surface and is the electrically connected to the connector of the exposure head. The flexible flat cable is connected to the exposure head held by the exposure support member in the posture such that the contact point is disposed on a surface of a left side in leftward and rightward directions of the image forming apparatus.