Photosensitive Unit Electrode Arrangement for Electrical Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing design of image forming apparatuses limits the degree of freedom in arranging electrodes, leading to increased intervals between electrode trains, which restricts the design flexibility and may cause electric leaks.
Innovation Solution
A photosensitive unit with a specific arrangement of electrodes on its outer and inner surfaces, allowing for parallel extension and orthogonal opposition, enabling efficient power feeding and reduced risk of electric leaks while maintaining design flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the intervals between adjacent electrodes are increased to prevent electric leaks and ensure reliable contact, then the reliability of electrical connection is improved, but the degree of freedom in design is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar electrode arrangement to three-dimensional spatial arrangement. Specifically, the second electrode protrudes beyond the first outer side surface in the orthogonal direction, creating a multi-level structure that allows electrodes to be positioned in space rather than confined to a single plane. This dimensional change enables closer spacing while maintaining electrical isolation through the orthogonal positioning and protrusion structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where the second electrode protrudes beyond the first outer side surface, creating a layered configuration. The first and second electrodes are positioned at different depths in the orthogonal direction, with the second electrode extending beyond the first. This nesting allows the electrode trains to be arranged closer together in the orthogonal direction while maintaining proper electrical isolation and contact geometry.
2Device complexity
If multiple electrode trains are arranged parallelly on the same side surface, then the structure is simplified, but the intervals between electrode trains must be increased to prevent electric leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the orthogonal direction (depth dimension) to separate electrode trains that are parallelly arranged. By positioning the second electrode to protrude beyond the first outer side surface in the orthogonal direction, the patent creates vertical separation between electrode trains. This allows the electrode trains to be arranged closer together in the sliding direction while maintaining electrical isolation through the orthogonal positioning, thus simplifying the overall structure without compromising electrical safety.
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 enhances design flexibility and prevents electric leaks by allowing for closer electrode train arrangements while ensuring reliable power feeding to the electrodes.
Implementation Method 1
a first electrode provided on a first outer side surface formed on the photosensitive unit to extend along the sliding direction while being opposed to the inner side surface in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the sliding direction; a second electrode provided on a second outer side surface formed on the photosensitive unit to protrude toward the inner side surface beyond the first outer side surface in the orthogonal direction
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus may include a moving unit configured to support a cartridge and to slide in a generally horizontal direction between multiple positions. For example, the positions may include a position where the moving unit is located inside the main body and a position where the moving unit is located outside the main body. Additionally or alternatively, the moving unit may also move between one interior position and another interior position located below the one interior position. The moving unit may be configured to electrically connect electrical contacts between the moving unit and a main body of the image forming apparatus based on its movement. In one example, the moving unit may include two electrical contacts disposed in the sliding direction of the unit, the electrical contacts configured to connect with electrical contacts of the main body.