Roller Apparatus Grounding Member Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional roller apparatuses face issues with low contact area and force due to the elastic grounding member, leading to potential deformation and misalignment of components, which can result in static electricity-related damage and malfunction.
Innovation Solution
A roller apparatus design featuring a grounding member with an inclined first contact part that deforms to increase contact area and force, and a second contact part that interposes between the frame and stopper to effectively ground the bushing, using an elastic material to maintain stability and prevent misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the grounding member is pressed by the supporting rib to contact the bushing, then the bushing is grounded, but the contact area is small and contact force is low
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding member is divided into multiple contact portions (first contact portion and second contact portion) that contact different parts of the bushing. This segmentation increases the total contact area from a single point to multiple distributed contact regions, improving grounding effectiveness without requiring excessive pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding member extends in the radial direction of the bushing, transitioning from a single-point contact (zero-dimensional) to a distributed contact along the radial dimension. This dimensional expansion increases contact area and distributes the grounding force more effectively across the bushing surface.
2Reliability
If the grounding member is pressed by the supporting rib to contact the bushing, then the bushing is grounded, but the contact force is low
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding force is segmented and distributed to multiple contact portions along the radial direction of the bushing. This distribution maintains adequate contact force at each contact point while reducing the total pressure required, preventing deformation of the supporting rib and frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding member is designed as a flexible elastic body that can deform to conform to the bushing surface. This flexibility allows the grounding member to maintain reliable electrical contact through elastic deformation rather than requiring high mechanical pressure, thus preventing structural deformation.
3Reliability
If the grounding member is pressed to the axial direction by the supporting rib, then the bushing is grounded, but the bushing and reinforcement are separated
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding member contacts the bushing in the radial direction rather than pressing axially. This radial contact approach grounds the bushing without applying separating force in the axial direction, maintaining the stable assembly of the bushing and reinforcement while achieving reliable grounding connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible elastic grounding member adapts to the radial geometry of the bushing, providing grounding contact that does not interfere with the axial positioning and stability of the bushing-reinforcement assembly. The flexibility allows effective grounding without compromising structural integrity.
4Reliability
If the grounding member is pressed to the axial direction by the supporting rib, then the bushing is grounded, but the position of the roller changes
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding contact is established in the radial direction of the bushing rather than through axial pressing. This dimensional change ensures that the grounding function is achieved without applying forces that would displace the roller axially, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision and proper roller positioning.
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 design enhances contact force and area, ensuring stable grounding and preventing static electricity-induced damage, while simplifying the molding process and maintaining component alignment.
Implementation Method 1
the grounding member is formed of an elastic material... the first side of the grounding member 140 is elastically deformed to contact the bushing 120
Implementation Method 2
As the roller 110 frictionally contacts the bushing 120, the roller 110 makes friction with the bushing 120 to create static electricity between the roller 110 and the bushing 120 as the roller 110 rotates
Data Source
AI summary
A roller apparatus includes a rotating roller, a bushing frictionally supporting the rotating roller, a frame having a bushing hole into which a bushing is inserted and supporting the bushing, and a grounding member interposed between the bushing and the frame and grounding the bushing by press contacting with the bushing when the bushing is inserted into the bushing hole. Thus, the roller apparatus effectively grounds a bushing.