Floating Connector Positioning Mechanism for Image Formers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing floating connectors in image forming apparatuses, such as laser printers, experience loose movement of connectors supported by holders, leading to positional displacement and obstruction during connection with mating connectors, hindering smooth connection.
Innovation Solution
A floating connector design featuring a holder with a holder-side positioning section and a retainer with a retainer-side positioning section, both urged by an urging member to maintain precise positioning and facilitate easy alignment and connection between connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the connector is allowed to move freely within the holder to accommodate positional differences, then adaptability to positional misalignment is improved, but the connector moves loosely and may be displaced from the mating connector position
Solution Approach 1:
The holder-side positioning section is preliminarily positioned by the urging member to contact the retainer-side positioning section before the connector connection process begins. This preliminary positioning action ensures the holder is pre-aligned with the retainer, preventing loose movement and displacement while still allowing the connector to accommodate positional differences through the controlled floating mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning sections (holder-side positioning section and retainer-side positioning section) act as intermediary elements between the holder/retainer and the connector. These intermediaries transmit and control the positioning forces, enabling the holder to be accurately located relative to the retainer while the connector maintains its ability to accommodate positional misalignment through the urging member's resilient force.
2Ease of operation
If the holder is retained floating to allow movement, then ease of connection is improved, but the holder cannot be located in a predetermined position with respect to the retainer
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is designed with dynamic characteristics through the urging member (coil spring) that allows it to float and move within controlled limits. The holder can dynamically adjust its position to contact the retainer-side positioning section, maintaining predetermined positioning while still allowing movement for ease of connection. The resilient force enables the holder to adapt to connection variations while ensuring accurate positioning through the positioning sections.
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 ensures accurate positioning and easy connection of connectors by reducing positional gaps and absorbing force imbalances, enhancing the connection process and preventing tilting, thus improving the efficiency and reliability of the connector alignment.
Implementation Method 1
a coil spring arranged between the holder and the retainer so that the coil spring may provide a resilient force to allow the holder to move with respect to the retainer
Implementation Method 2
The holder-side positioning section of the holder is urged by the urging member to contact the retainer-side positioning section of the retainer
Data Source
AI summary
A floating connector, including a connector, a holder configured to support the connector, a retainer configured to retain the holder floating, and an urging member configured to urge the holder, is provided. The retainer includes a retainer-side positioning section. The holder includes a holder-side positioning section, which is configured to locate the holder in a predetermined position with respect to the retainer by contacting the retainer-side positioning section. The holder-side positioning section of the holder is urged by the urging member to contact the retainer-side positioning section of the retainer.