Heating Roller Connector Structure for Stable Power Contact

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge in existing printer fixing devices is securely connecting a connector member to a rotating heating unit to ensure stable power transmission while minimizing device size and preventing disconnection during the rotation of the cylindrical film.

Innovation Solution

A connector member with an energizing terminal and conducting wire design that securely attaches to the heating unit, featuring a cover with recesses for the substrate and a contact portion that maintains contact with the heating unit's contact points, and a connecting portion for the conducting wire, which is positioned to generate a moment of force preventing disconnection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the connector member is securely connected to the rotating heating unit, then power transmission stability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transmission stabilityVSAvoidconnector member structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector member is divided into distinct functional segments: a cover portion for protection and positioning, an energizing terminal with contact portion for electrical connection, and a connecting portion for wire attachment. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall reliability without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The energizing terminal is stored within the cover portion, creating a nested structure where the contact portion can engage with the heating unit's contact points while being protected and positioned by the cover. This nesting reduces spatial requirements and simplifies the overall assembly while ensuring reliable electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If the connector member design allows stable power transmission, then reliability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transmission stabilityVSAvoidconnector member fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The cover portion and energizing terminal are integrated into a single connector member assembly, reducing the number of separate components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This merging simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining the reliable electrical connection through the contact portion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector member design serves multiple functions: the cover portion provides protection and positioning, the contact portion establishes electrical connection, and the connecting portion allows wire attachment. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single integrated component, improving reliability while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the connecting portion is positioned to generate moment of force, then disconnection prevention is improved, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisconnection preventionVSAvoidfixing device size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting portion is strategically positioned to generate a moment of force that dynamically counteracts rotational forces during printing operations. This dynamic force generation prevents disconnection of the connector member from the rotating heating unit without requiring additional mechanical restraints or increasing the overall device volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 stable power transmission to the heating unit, prevents disconnection, and reduces the overall size of the fixing device by allowing the pressure roller support mechanism to be positioned closer to the heating roller.

Implementation Method 1

an energizing terminal stored in the cover and including a contact portion on a first side of the recess to contact a contact point on the substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

A fixing device used in a printer has a pressure roller and a rotatable cylindrical film between which a sheet is conveyed and heated so that toner is fixed thereto. For example, a heating unit is disposed along the inner surface of the cylindrical film such that the generated heat is conveyed to the sheet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS12585218B2Connector member

Publication Date: 2026.03.24 TOSHIBA TEC KK

AI summary

A connector member connectable to a heating unit inside a heating roller of a fixing device includes a cover having a recess into which an end of a substrate of the heating unit in a first direction parallel to a rotation axis of the heating roller can be inserted, and an energizing terminal stored in the cover and including a contact portion on one side of the recess and to be in contact with a contact point on the substrate, and a connecting portion to which a conducting wire for receiving electric power is connected and located on the other side of the recess.