Guide Pin Alignment for Image Forming Apparatus Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
In conventional image forming apparatuses, it is difficult to visually inspect the positions of connectors when attaching a processing unit, leading to challenges in properly fitting the connectors and establishing an electrical connection.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus incorporates a first guide pin on the processing unit and a second guide hole on the apparatus main body, with the connectors positioned such that the guide pin passes through the guide hole before the connectors engage, facilitating easier alignment and connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the connector positions are not visually inspectable during attachment, then the apparatus structure remains compact, but the connector fitting accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A guide pin is introduced as an intermediary component that facilitates the alignment and fitting of connectors during attachment. The guide pin physically guides the processing unit into the correct position, ensuring accurate connector engagement without requiring visual inspection, thus resolving the contradiction between compact structure and fitting accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the visual inspection method (optical system) with a mechanical guidance system using the guide pin. Instead of relying on operators to visually align connectors, the mechanical guide pin automatically ensures proper positioning through physical constraint, eliminating the need for visual inspection while maintaining fitting accuracy.
2Manufacturing precision
If the connector fitting relies on visual inspection, then the alignment accuracy may improve, but the operation complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The guide pin enables the attachment system to self-align without requiring operator skill or visual inspection. The processing unit automatically finds its correct position through the mechanical guidance of the guide pin, making the attachment process intuitive and error-proof while reducing operation complexity and training requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide pin acts as a mediator that simplifies the attachment operation by providing automatic alignment. Operators no longer need to perform complex visual alignment tasks; they simply need to insert the processing unit, and the guide pin handles the precise positioning, significantly reducing operation complexity.
3Device complexity
If the guide pin is positioned at the same location as the connector, then the structure is simplified, but the connector fitting reliability deteriorates due to potential interference
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment interface is segmented into two distinct functional zones: the guide pin region for alignment and the connector region for electrical connection. By separating these functions spatially, the guide pin can perform its alignment function without interfering with connector engagement, ensuring both structural simplicity and fitting reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide pin is positioned in a different spatial dimension relative to the connector, allowing it to provide alignment guidance without occupying the same space as the connector. This dimensional separation enables both components to coexist and function independently, maintaining reliability while simplifying the overall structure.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an image forming apparatus includes a main unit, and a processing unit installed on an installation surface of the main unit and configured to process a sheet discharged from a discharge portion in a first direction. The processing unit includes a first connector electrically connected to the main unit, and a first guide pin extending in a second direction crossing the first direction. The main unit includes a second connector electrically connected to the processing unit in a manner the first connector is inserted along the second direction, and a first guide hole the first guide pin passing through the first guide hole. At least a part of the first guide pin is disposed in a position different from a position of the second connector in a third direction crossing both the first direction and the second direction.