Detachable Fuser Connector Using a Common Terminal for Memory Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of terminals in the connector of a detachable fuser for image forming apparatuses leads to higher manufacturing costs and larger connector sizes, and the integration of a memory in the fuser requires additional terminals, necessitating a reduction in connector terminals.
Innovation Solution
A fuser design with a relay board that includes a common terminal to relay detection signals and memory signals through a fuser common terminal, reducing the number of terminals needed in the connector by integrating a memory and detection sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of terminals in the connector is increased to support memory integration, then the functionality and adaptability are improved, but the manufacturing cost and connector size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The common terminal is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as a signal line for detection sensors during normal operation and as a data line for memory communication when the press-contact/separation assembly is in the separated state. This multi-functional design allows the connector to support memory integration without increasing the number of terminals, thereby maintaining manufacturing cost efficiency while improving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches the function of the common terminal based on the operational state of the press-contact/separation assembly. When the assembly is in the press-contact state, the common terminal functions as a signal line for sensors. When separated, it functions as a data line for memory communication. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the same physical terminal to serve different purposes, reducing the need for additional terminals.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of terminals in the connector is increased to support memory integration, then the adaptability is improved, but the connector size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The common terminal is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as a signal line for detection sensors during normal operation and as a data line for memory communication when the press-contact/separation assembly is in the separated state. This multi-functional design allows the connector to support memory integration without increasing the number of terminals, thereby maintaining compact connector size while improving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the signal line function and data line function into a single common terminal. By combining these functions that would traditionally require separate terminals, the connector maintains its original size while gaining the capability to communicate with the memory, thus improving adaptability without increasing connector area.
3Quantity of substance
If a memory is integrated into the fuser, then the information storage capability is improved, but the number of terminals required in the connector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The common terminal is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as a signal line for detection sensors during normal operation and as a data line for memory communication when the press-contact/separation assembly is in the separated state. This multi-functional design enables memory integration and information storage capability without increasing the number of connector terminals, thereby reducing device complexity while improving information storage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches the function of the common terminal based on the operational state of the press-contact/separation assembly. When the assembly is in the press-contact state, the common terminal functions as a signal line for sensors. When separated, it functions as a data line for memory communication. This dynamic reconfiguration enables memory integration without requiring additional terminals, maintaining simple connector design while adding information storage capability.
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 minimizes the number of terminals in the connector while enabling effective communication between the fuser and the image forming apparatus, maintaining functionality and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The heater is configured to heat the heating rotatable body
Implementation Method 2
The heating rotatable body is configured to heat the sheet
Data Source
AI summary
A fuser detachably attachable to an image forming apparatus includes a heating rotatable body to heat a sheet, a heater to heat the heating rotatable body, a pressing rotatable body to nip the sheet in cooperation with the heating rotatable body, a detection sensor to detect a status of the fuser, a fuser connector, through which the fuser is connected with the image forming apparatus when the fuser is attached to the image forming apparatus and which includes a fuser common terminal, and a relay board including a common terminal connected to the fuser common terminal, and a memory. The relay board is connected with the detection sensor and is configured to relay a detection signal from the detection sensor to the image forming apparatus and a memory signal between the memory and the image forming apparatus via the common terminal and the fuser common terminal.