Floating Wire Routing for Stable Voltage Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electrophotographic image forming apparatuses face increased costs due to large, non-insulated power supply lines that are not flame-retardant, and these lines can fail to appropriately supply voltage to operation units if there are manufacturing errors in the installation of the printed circuit board and operation units.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus employs a configuration where the power supply wire is held by separate first and second holding units, allowing the central portion to float and deform, ensuring stable voltage supply even with positional deviations during assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the power supply line is held by a single large holding portion, then the wire is supported, but the cost increases due to large size and flame-retardant material requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The single large holding portion is divided into multiple separate holding portions (first holding portion, second holding portion, third holding portion, fourth holding portion). Each holding portion is smaller in size and can be made from standard insulating materials without requiring flame-retardant properties, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining wire support functionality.
2Reliability
If the power supply line is held at multiple positions, then the wire is securely supported, but manufacturing errors cause misalignment and voltage supply failure
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply line is allowed to have flexibility in its routing between the holding portions. The wire can deform and adapt to positional variations in the printed circuit board and operation units, maintaining electrical connectivity even when manufacturing tolerances cause slight misalignments in the installation positions.
3Ease of manufacture
If the power supply line is made non-insulated to reduce cost, then material cost decreases, but safety and reliability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the entire power supply line insulated (which would increase cost), only the holding portions are made from insulating materials. The wire itself can be non-insulated or have minimal insulation, reducing material costs while the insulating holding portions provide localized safety and prevent electrical hazards at the connection points.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an operation unit including a contact of the operation unit, a voltage control board including a contact of the voltage control board, a wire electrically connecting the voltage control board and the operation unit, a first holding unit configured to hold a first end of the wire electrically connected to the contact of the voltage control board, and a second holding unit configured separately from the first holding unit, the second holding unit configured to hold a second end of the wire electrically connected to the contact of the operation unit. The wire does not linearly connect the first holding unit and the second holding unit. At least one portion, of the wire, between the first holding unit and the second holding unit is not held by the first holding unit and the second holding unit.