Fixing Device Terminal Bending for Compact Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixing devices in printers or copiers with multiple heaters face challenges in optimizing space usage around terminal members, leading to inefficiencies in design and potential interference during assembly.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a first and second heater with elongated configurations, where the terminal members' electrical connection portions are strategically bent to reduce vertical space requirements, allowing for a more compact arrangement and easier assembly by aligning the connection tips in a direction that minimizes interference with other components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the second electrical connection portion extends in a direction perpendicular to the first plate-shaped portion, then the electrical connection is simplified, but the space around the terminal members cannot be saved
Solution Approach 1:
The second electrical connection portion is configured to extend in a direction substantially parallel to the first plate-shaped portion rather than perpendicular, changing the spatial dimension of connection. This parallel arrangement allows the tip portion to extend along the length of the first plate-shaped portion, effectively reducing the vertical space requirement and saving space around the terminal members while maintaining electrical connectivity
2Power
If multiple heaters are arranged in the fixing device, then the heating capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second heater is arranged adjacent to the first heater with their longitudinal directions substantially aligned, creating a merged heating arrangement. The terminal members are also configured in a coordinated manner where the second terminal member's electrical connection portion extends parallel to the first plate-shaped portion, integrating the spatial arrangement of multiple heaters and their connections to manage complexity while maintaining enhanced heating capability
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 effectively saves space around the terminal members, enhances the compactness of the fixing device, and facilitates easier attachment to the printer or copier, improving overall design efficiency and usability.
Implementation Method 1
a first heater (720); a second heater (730)... The first terminal member (740) is electrically connected to the first heater (720)... The second terminal member (750) is electrically connected to the second heater (730)
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes: first and second heaters; a frame; and first and second terminals. The frame includes first and second fixing surfaces. The first terminal is electrically-connected to the first heater and includes: a first plate-shaped portion including a first fixed portion fixed to the first fixing surface. The second terminal is electrically-connected to the second heater and includes: a second plate-shaped portion including a second fixed portion fixed to the second fixing surface; and a first electrical connection portion electrically-connected to a power source and including: a first intermediate portion bent from the second plate-shaped portion and extending in a first direction connecting the second fixed portion and the second fixing surface; and a first tip portion. The first intermediate portion has: a first end connected to the second plate-shaped portion; and a second end from which the first tip portion extends along the first plate-shaped portion.