Fuser Heater Connector Locking for Detachment-Resistant Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The concern with existing fixing devices is that connectors may become detached or experience contact failures due to external forces during assembly, which can lead to electrical disconnection and safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
The fixing device incorporates a unit holder with an abutment portion that contacts the heater holder when a force is applied, and a connector with an engagement portion that restricts detachment, ensuring stable electrical connection by suppressing deformation of the heater holder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking member is added to prevent connector detachment, then connector reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is integrated into the connector structure itself, merging the locking function with the connector body. This eliminates the need for separate locking mechanisms while maintaining prevention of detachment, thus improving reliability without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector structure includes self-locking features that automatically engage and maintain connection without requiring additional active locking components. The design allows the connector to serve its own locking function through its structural configuration, reducing overall device complexity while ensuring reliable connection.
2Reliability
If the connector structure is reinforced to resist external forces, then connector reliability improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector utilizes a flexible housing structure that can elastically deform to absorb external forces while maintaining electrical contact. This flexible shell design provides reinforcement against detachment forces without requiring complex rigid reinforcement structures, keeping manufacturing relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design incorporates material selection and structural parameters that optimize the balance between flexibility and strength. By carefully selecting material properties and structural dimensions, the connector achieves sufficient reinforcement to resist external forces while remaining manufacturable with standard processes.
3Reliability
If the engagement portion is designed to restrict detachment completely, then connector reliability improves, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement portion is designed with dynamic characteristics that provide strong holding force during normal operation but allow for controlled release when needed. The structure transitions between a locked state that prevents accidental detachment and an unlocked state that facilitates intentional disconnection, balancing reliability with ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector includes preliminary protective features such as positioning protrusions and guide structures that prevent misalignment and reduce the force needed for proper engagement and disengagement. These features prepare the connection interface in advance to ensure reliable connection while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive alignment and reduced insertion force.
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 prevents connector detachment and maintains electrical connectivity, enhancing safety and reliability by minimizing engagement changes under external forces.
Implementation Method 1
a heater having a long and narrow sheet-like shape, wherein the heater is disposed in an internal space of the film along a longitudinal direction of the film
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a roller, an apparatus frame, a connector and a heating unit having a film having a tubular shape, a heater, a heater holder disposed in an internal space of the film, and a unit holder disposed at a position at which the unit holder faces an end surface of the film in a longitudinal direction of the film. The connector includes an engagement portion configured to engage with a to-be-engaged portion of the unit holder in such a manner as to restrict the connector from becoming detached when a force in a direction in which the connector is detached is applied to the connector in a state in which the connector is electrically connected to the heater. The unit holder includes an abutment portion with which the heater holder comes into contact when a force in a direction toward the roller is applied to the connector.