Optical Print Head Cable Routing for Connector Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face difficulties in easily detaching the optical print head due to the connector's location and cable configuration, making maintenance cumbersome, especially when the cable is connected.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a cable with a connecting portion that allows the connector to be located on the front side of the opening when the optical print head is moved to the pull-out position, enabling easier access and detachment by regulating the cable's movement with a support member, ensuring the connector is accessible for maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cable is fastened to a support plate and regulated from moving, then the cable is prevented from moving in the pull-out direction, but the connector becomes difficult to access and detach when the optical print head is pulled out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement by moving the connector from the rear side to the front side of the optical print head. This dimensional repositioning allows the connector to be accessible from the front when the print head is pulled out, while the cable regulation mechanism remains effective from the rear side, resolving the contradiction between cable stability and connector accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If the optical print head is pulled out to the pull-out position with the cable connected, then the connector should be accessible from the front side, but the existing cable length and configuration prevent this
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the cable length parameter and its routing configuration to enable the connector to reach the front side of the opening when the optical print head is at the pull-out position. This parameter adjustment allows the connector to be accessible without requiring complex cable management mechanisms, simplifying the overall device structure.
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 simplifies the maintenance process by allowing the optical print head to be pulled out and the cable detached from the connector without requiring complex movements, improving workability and reducing the risk of errors, while maintaining a compact apparatus design.
Implementation Method 1
Some of the optical print heads use a light emitting diode (LED), organic electro luminescence (EL), or the like as an example of the light emitting element
Implementation Method 2
Some of the optical print heads use a light emitting diode (LED), organic electro luminescence (EL), or the like as an example of the light emitting element
Implementation Method 3
the optical print head includes a plurality of lenses configured to collect light emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements on the photosensitive drum
Data Source
AI summary
In an image forming apparatus including an optical print head, a length of a cable from a regulating portion to a connecting portion in a state where the connecting portion is connected to a connector is set to a length that enables the connector to be located on a front side of an opening when the optical print head moves to a pull-out position in the state where the connecting portion is connected to the connector.