Magnetic Connector for Replaceable Image Forming Items

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing interlock/connector systems in image forming devices face challenges in providing a reliable electrical connection between replaceable items and the image forming device while minimizing external forces, which can lead to print defects due to force imbalances.

Innovation Solution

A magnetically attractable connector system is introduced, where a support with a magnet or ferromagnetic plate is loosely attached to the replaceable item, allowing a magnetic field to draw the connector into operational contact with the image forming device's connector, ensuring secure attachment without excessive force.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional mechanical connectors are used to establish electrical connection between replaceable item and image forming device, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but excessive external forces are exerted on the replaceable item causing print defects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidexternal force on replaceable item

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical spring-loaded connectors with a magnetic field-based connector system. The magnetic connector uses magnetic attraction force to establish electrical contact between the replaceable item and image forming device, eliminating the need for mechanical pressure and spring forces that previously caused print defects while maintaining reliable electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of connector operation from mechanical force-based to magnetic field-based. By using magnetic field strength as the operating parameter instead of mechanical pressure, the system achieves reliable electrical connection without exerting excessive external forces on the replaceable item that would cause print defects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If the connector is firmly attached to the replaceable item, then stable connection is achieved, but the replaceable item positioning accuracy deteriorates due to force imbalance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector connection stabilityVSAvoidreplaceable item positioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic connector system replaces firm mechanical attachment with magnetic field-based attraction. The magnetic force provides sufficient connection stability for electrical contact while being distributed in a way that does not create localized force imbalances, thereby maintaining replaceable item positioning accuracy and preventing print defects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If magnetic field strength is increased to improve connector attraction, then connector reliability improves, but force imbalance on replaceable item increases causing print defects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector attraction reliabilityVSAvoidforce imbalance on replaceable item

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes mechanical force transmission with magnetic field interaction. The magnetic field provides attractive force for connector reliability while naturally distributing forces through the magnetic field medium, avoiding the localized force concentrations and imbalances that occur with mechanical connector systems, thereby preventing print defects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution provides a reliable electrical connection and minimizes external forces on the replaceable items, preventing print defects and ensuring accurate positioning, thereby enhancing the operational stability of the image forming device.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic field draws the support away from the replaceable item and draws the connector into operational contact with the second connector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

The mounting of the support allows the support to be drawn away from the replaceable item and remain attached thereto

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS9383711B2Interlock/connector system for a replaceable item for an image forming device

Publication Date: 2016.07.05 LEXMARK INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

A connector having a magnetically attractable support loosely attachable to an exterior surface of the replaceable item for use in an image forming device. The connector is interconnectable with a second connector of the image forming device, the second connector having a magnet adjacent to an operating position of the replaceable item wherein when the connector is attached to the replaceable item and the replaceable item is in the operating position, a magnetic field draws the support away from the replaceable item and the connector into operational contact with the second connector. The mounting of the support allows the support to be drawn away from the replaceable item and remain attached thereto.