Movable Guide Connector Alignment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image formation apparatuses face challenges in ensuring proper alignment and fitting of connectors, leading to misalignment issues and potential damage during mounting, which affects the reliability of electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a movable guide member and an engagement portion around the second connector allows for alignment of the first connector within a fittable range, enabling the expansion of the allowable misalignment range during mounting, thus preventing connector collision and ensuring reliable electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed connector mounting method is used, then the structure is simple, but the alignment precision between connectors deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member is designed to be movable relative to the main body, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position during the mounting process. This movement enables the guide member to compensate for misalignment between connectors, achieving precise alignment without requiring a complex fixed mounting structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide member acts as an intermediary element between the detachable unit and the main body. It facilitates the alignment and fitting of connectors by providing a movable reference surface that guides the first connector into proper alignment with the second connector during the mounting process.
2Reliability
If an inclined surface mounting method is used, then the connector fitting is improved, but the allowable misalignment range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member's movability allows it to adapt to various misalignment conditions. During mounting, the guide member can move to accommodate different positions of the detachable unit, thereby expanding the allowable misalignment range while maintaining reliable connector fitting.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positional parameter of the guide member during the mounting process. By allowing the guide member to move and adjust its position, the system can accommodate a wider range of misalignment conditions while still achieving proper connector alignment and fitting.
3Reliability
If precise alignment is required, then the connection reliability is improved, but the mounting operation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The movable guide member enables the mounting system to self-correct alignment issues during the mounting process. As the detachable unit is brought toward the main body, the guide member automatically moves to guide the connectors into proper alignment, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment by the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide member serves as a mediator that simplifies the mounting operation. It automatically adjusts its position to facilitate connector alignment, allowing operators to perform mounting without requiring high precision while still achieving reliable electrical connections.
Data Source
AI summary
An image formation apparatus according to an embodiment may include: a fixation unit detachable from a main body of the image formation apparatus; a movable guide member holding a first connector and movably provided to the main body; a second connector provided to the fixation unit; and an engagement portion provided around the second connector. Upon mounting the detachable unit to the main body, the engagement portion contacts the movable guide member to move the movable guide member to position the first connector held by the movable guide member to a fittable range where the first and second connectors can be fitted to each other. Upon fitting the first and second connectors to each other, the first connector contacts the second connector to move the movable guide member holding the first connector to align the first connector to the second connector.