Power Supply Device Contact Assembly for Image Formers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supply devices for image forming apparatuses, such as printers and copiers, face complexity in assembly due to the need for intricate wiring between power-fed and power supply terminals, which complicates the connection process and increases the risk of short circuits.
Innovation Solution
A power supply device with a unit contact portion, a board contact portion, and a connector supported by a support member, where the unit contact portion is held on the inner face of the support member opposing the power-fed unit and the board contact portion is held on the outer face opposing the power supply board, with the connector connecting the two through the support member, facilitating a more straightforward and secure electrical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wiring is installed between the power feeding-side contact portion and the power-fed side contact portion sandwiched between the first frame and the second frame, then electrical connection is achieved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power supply device and the charging roller into a single integrated unit. The support member integrates the unit contact portion, board contact portion, and connector into one structure, eliminating the need for separate wiring installation between frames and simplifying assembly while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member acts as an intermediary structure that holds both the unit contact portion and board contact portion, and internally connects them through the connector. This intermediary structure eliminates the need for external wiring between frames, reducing assembly complexity while ensuring electrical connection.
2Reliability
If intricate wiring is used to connect power terminals, then electrical connection is established, but the risk of short circuits increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the connector and wiring into the support member structure, the patent creates a protected internal pathway for electrical connection. This integrated structure shields the wiring from external factors that could cause short circuits, while maintaining reliable electrical connection between power terminals.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member serves as a protective intermediary that encloses the connector and wiring, isolating them from potential short circuit hazards. This intermediary structure provides a controlled environment for electrical connection, reducing short circuit risk while ensuring connection reliability.
3Device complexity
If the power supply device is integrated with the charging roller, then assembly is simplified, but the structure becomes more compact requiring precise positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is designed with pre-positioned unit contact portion and board contact portion at appropriate locations. This preliminary arrangement of contact portions during support member manufacturing ensures that when the power supply device is integrated with the charging roller, the electrical connections are automatically aligned correctly, simplifying assembly while maintaining positioning precision.
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 assembly process, reduces the risk of short circuits, and provides stable power supply by separating the connectors and using coil springs for secure contact, ensuring reliable operation and ease of maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a coil spring to press the terminal toward the charge roller side
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply device to electroconductively connect a power-fed terminal included in a power-fed unit and a power supply terminal of a power supply board. The power supply device includes a unit contact portion to contact the power-fed terminal; a board contact portion to contact the power supply board; a connector to connect the unit contact portion and the board contact portion; and a support member to support the unit contact portion, the board contact portion, and the connector. The unit contact portion is held on an inner face of the support member opposed to the power-fed unit; the board contact portion is held on an outer face of the support member opposed to the power supply board; and the connector connects the unit contact portion and the board contact portion through the support member.