Fixing Unit Electrical Connection via Insertion Direction Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatuses face difficulties in establishing a reliable and easy electrical connection for powering the fixing device during mounting, which complicates the assembly and maintenance processes.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus is designed with a fixing unit mounting section and an electric power supply section arranged in a predetermined inserting direction, featuring a connection section for establishing electrical connections from the near side, allowing for easy and secure power supply to the fixing unit, and includes configurations such as collective formation of connection sections at one end and exposure towards the transporting direction for enhanced workability and miniaturization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the electric power supply section and connection section are arranged at the near side in the inserting direction, then the electrical connection operation becomes easy and sure, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The electric power supply section and connection section are pre-positioned at the near side in the inserting direction before the fixing unit is mounted. This preliminary arrangement of electrical components allows the electrical connection to be automatically established or easily made during the insertion process, without requiring complex post-installation wiring operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The near side structure serves multiple functions: it acts as both the insertion entry point for the fixing unit and the location for electrical connection establishment. By combining the mechanical insertion function and electrical connection function at the same location, the design simplifies the overall operation while managing structural complexity through functional integration.
2Ease of operation
If the connection sections are collectively formed at one end of the fixing unit, then the electrical connection operation is simplified, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple connection sections are collectively formed at one end of the fixing unit instead of being distributed throughout. This merging of electrical connection points into a single location simplifies the electrical connection operation to one concentrated area, making the connection process more straightforward and easier to perform.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection sections are concentrated at a specific location (one end of the fixing unit) rather than being uniformly distributed. This local concentration creates a specialized zone for electrical connection, which improves operational ease but requires precise manufacturing at that specific location to ensure proper alignment and connection 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
This configuration simplifies and ensures the electrical connection process, facilitates visual confirmation, and enhances maintenance capabilities by allowing easy detachment and reattachment of the fixing unit while maintaining electrical connections, thereby improving the overall assembly and maintenance efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a bar-like heater inserted in the heat roller
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing unit mounting section is formed to a main body frame. A fixing unit is mounted to the fixing unit mounting section by inserting the fixing unit into the main body along a predetermined inserting direction. An electric power supply section configured to supply electric power to the fixing unit is arranged at a near side of the fixing unit mounting section in the inserting direction. A connecting section configured to establish electric connection to the electric power supply section is formed at the near side of the fixing unit in the inserting direction.