FFC Cable Stopper Structure for Print Head Removal Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, such as thermal printers, the disconnection of flexible flat cables (FFCs) from connectors occurs when the print head is removed, leading to operational issues during maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A cable stopper structure is implemented, featuring a first passage and a second passage with a rigid portion of higher rigidity than the cable, positioned between folded-back portions, which prevents excessive pulling by acting as a stopper at the entrance of the first passage, ensuring the cable remains connected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the print head is removed by pulling the FFC, then the print head can be exchanged, but the FFC may be disconnected from the connector provided to the main circuit board
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid portion is pre-installed on the FFC at a position that will act as a stopper when the print head is removed. This preliminary placement ensures that during the removal process, the rigid portion will automatically engage with the housing to prevent excessive pulling and disconnection, without requiring any additional setup or adjustment at the time of print head exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid portion serves as an intermediary element between the FFC and the housing. It mediates the interaction by providing a mechanical stop that prevents the FFC from being pulled beyond the safe limit, thus protecting the connection between the FFC and the main circuit board connector while still allowing the print head to be removed.
2Ease of operation
If the FFC is made flexible to allow print head removal, then the print head can be exchanged, but the FFC becomes vulnerable to disconnection when pulled excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The FFC system is segmented into two functional parts: the flexible FFC itself that allows movement and removal, and the rigid portion that provides structural support and stopping function. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally - the FFC remains flexible for ease of removal while the rigid portion provides the necessary strength to prevent disconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the entire FFC rigid or uniformly strong, the rigid portion is applied locally at the specific position where stopping is needed. This local reinforcement provides the necessary strength and stopping function only where required, while the rest of the FFC maintains its flexibility for easy print head removal.
3Reliability
If a rigid portion is added to the FFC to prevent disconnection, then cable connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid portion is merged with the FFC by attaching it directly to the cable, creating a combined structure that functions as a single unit. This merging approach simplifies the overall design compared to using separate stopping mechanisms, as the rigid portion integrated on the FFC performs both cable support and stopping functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid portion is designed to automatically perform the stopping function without requiring external components or additional mechanisms. When the print head is removed and the FFC is pulled, the rigid portion self-activates by engaging with the housing to prevent further pulling, thus providing a self-service solution that maintains reliability without increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable stopper structure and an image forming apparatus includes a cable disposed throughout a first passage and a second passage, the second passage having a ceiling height higher than a ceiling height of the first passage, a first component disposed in the first passage and connected to one end portion of the cable, and a second component disposed near an exit of the first passage and connected to the other end portion of the cable, the second component being removable in a direction away from the first component. The cable includes a folded-back portion folded back in the second passage and a rigid portion disposed between the folded-back portion and the first component. The rigid portion has a rigidity greater than that of the cable and has a length in a pulling-out direction of the cable longer than the ceiling height of the first passage.