Flexible Electrical Connector for Photosensitive Drum Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The reduction in size of electrophotographic image forming apparatuses and process cartridges has made it challenging to maintain stable electrical connections between the electrical connector and the photosensitive drum, particularly due to the smaller diameter of the cylindrical member, which requires higher contact pressure and is prone to plastic deformation.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector design featuring a first and second extension with a second contact portion that displaces along the axis, ensuring stable contact pressure and resistance to deformation, even in smaller spaces, by using a flexible metallic plate structure with specific geometric configurations to maintain electrical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the diameter of the photosensitive drum is reduced to decrease the size of the process cartridge, then the compactness of the apparatus is improved, but the contact pressure between the electrical connector and the drum shaft becomes insufficient and plastic deformation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector is designed with a flexible structure that can dynamically adjust its position and apply contact pressure. The connector includes a flexible portion that can bend and deform elastically to maintain contact with the drum shaft, allowing the system to adapt to the reduced diameter of the photosensitive drum while ensuring reliable electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connector utilizes elastic deformation as a key parameter to maintain contact pressure. By designing the connector with appropriate flexibility and elasticity, the system can achieve sufficient contact pressure even with the reduced diameter of the photosensitive drum, preventing plastic deformation while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
2Reliability
If the contact pressure between the electrical connector and the drum shaft is increased to maintain electrical connection, then the reliability of electrical connection is improved, but the risk of plastic deformation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector is designed with optimized elastic properties to maintain appropriate contact pressure without exceeding the elastic limit. By carefully controlling the flexibility and elasticity parameters of the connector, the system achieves reliable electrical connection while preventing plastic deformation of the connector or drum shaft.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible structure of the electrical connector allows it to dynamically adjust its deformation within the elastic range. This dynamic capability enables the connector to maintain contact pressure as needed while returning to its original shape, avoiding permanent plastic deformation that would compromise the strength and reliability of the connection.
3Volume of moving object
If the electrical connector is designed to fit in a smaller space due to reduced drum diameter, then the compactness of the process cartridge is improved, but the stability of electrical connection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector incorporates a flexible portion that can dynamically adapt to the limited space available while maintaining stable electrical connection. The flexible structure allows the connector to bend and position itself appropriately within the reduced diameter constraints, ensuring both compactness and connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connector is divided into distinct functional portions: a rigid portion for structural support and a flexible portion for adaptation and contact maintenance. This segmentation allows the connector to fit within the reduced space while maintaining stable electrical connection through the flexible portion's ability to adapt to positional variations.
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
The solution provides a stable and resilient electrical connection that is resistant to plastic deformation, ensuring reliable operation even in reduced spaces, enhancing the durability and performance of electrophotographic image forming apparatuses and process cartridges.
Implementation Method 1
the second contact portion (21b) displaces in a direction parallel to the axial line L... the electrical connector is made of a springy substance... resiliently bent
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical contact member electrically connects to an external contact which is electrically connected with an electroconductive cylindrical member having a photosensitive layer on its outer surface and which is provided outside the cylindrical member. The electrical contact member includes a first contact portion contacted with the cylindrical member, a second contact portion contacted with the external contact, a first extension connected electrically with the first contact portion and extending in a diametrical direction across an axis of the cylindrical member, and a second extension electrically connecting with the first extension and extending in the diametrical direction toward the axis. The second extension is provided with the second contact portion, and when the second contact portion is contacted by the external contact, the second contact portion displaces along the axis.