Flat Cable Holder for Image Processing Apparatus
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Image processing apparatuses with movable parts face challenges in protecting flexible flat cables from damage and static electricity, especially when the automatic document feeder is elevated or lowered, as existing solutions either require complex structures or are not sufficient to prevent cable exposure and damage.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus with a holder member that includes a first opening covered by the upper unit, a second opening covered by the lower unit, and a path connecting them to hold the flat cable in a curved posture, allowing it to move vertically with the upper unit, absorbing tension and preventing exposure during movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a tube with substantial strength is provided to protect the cable during ADF uplift, then the cable can be protected from external force, but the tube may press the loosened lower portion of the cable downward forcibly and damage the cable when stored back
Solution Approach 1:
A cable guide member is introduced as an intermediary component between the protective tube and the cable. This guide member has a guiding portion that directs the cable's movement path, preventing the tube from directly pressing down on the loosened cable portion while still allowing the tube to provide protection during ADF uplift operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective structure is divided into two functional components: the protective tube that provides external force protection during uplift, and the cable guide member that manages cable routing and prevents compression damage during storage. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without causing harm to the cable.
2Strength
If the cable is arranged inside a hollow hinge member to protect it, then the cable is protected from external force, but the hinge member requires more complicated structure to accommodate the hollow space
Solution Approach 1:
The cable protection function is extracted from the hinge member structure. Instead of making the hinge member hollow and complex to house the cable, the cable is routed through a separate cable guide member that is positioned near the hinge but structurally independent, simplifying the hinge member design while maintaining cable protection.
3Ease of operation
If the FFC is made flexible to follow the movable ADF, then the ADF can move smoothly, but the FFC tends to be damaged by external force and static electricity
Solution Approach 1:
The cable guide member acts as an intermediary protective structure that guides the flexible FFC through a controlled path. This allows the FFC to maintain its flexibility for smooth ADF movement while the guide member protects it from external forces and static electricity by providing a structured routing path that avoids exposure to harmful environments.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus is provided. The image processing apparatus includes a lower unit, an upper unit, a joint piece to connect the upper unit with the lower unit, a flat cable, and a holder piece, which is movable with respect to one of the upper unit and the lower unit when the upper unit is moved with respect to the lower unit. The holder piece includes a first opening, a second opening, and a path connecting the first opening and the second opening to hold the flat cable therein in a curved posture. When the upper unit is vertically moved, the holder member is vertically moved with respect to the one of the upper unit and the lower unit by shifting a range of curvature in the flat cable as the flat cable is pulled out of and withdrawn in the holder member.