Rotatable Holding Member for Flexible Flat Cable Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatuses face low workability during maintenance as workers need to manually retract flat cables to reattach the controller circuit board, which can lead to cable damage and increased risk of errors.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable holding member is integrated into the image forming apparatus to manage the flexible flat cable, allowing it to be easily retracted from the connector position, reducing the need for manual handling and preventing cable damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the controller circuit board is detached from the housing for maintenance, then the circuit board can be accessed and maintained, but the flat cable remains at the housing side and must be manually retracted by the worker, reducing workability
Solution Approach 1:
The holding member automatically retracts the flat cable from the connector when the circuit board is detached, without requiring manual intervention. The cable is held in a retracted state by the holding member's structure, allowing the worker to simply attach the circuit board without needing to manually manage the cable.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding member acts as an intermediary between the flat cable and the connector, providing automatic cable management. It mediates the cable's position during board attachment/detachment operations, eliminating the need for direct manual handling of the cable by the worker.
2Reliability
If the flat cable is left at the housing side during maintenance, then the cable connection remains intact, but the cable must be manually retracted to prevent damage and ensure proper fitting
Solution Approach 1:
The holding member is designed to automatically retract the cable to a safe position before the fitting operation begins. This preliminary retraction prevents the cable from being damaged during the attachment process, eliminating the need for manual cable management by the worker.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding member automatically manages the cable's position and retraction without requiring manual intervention. The mechanical structure of the holding member ensures the cable is pulled back to a safe position, preventing damage while maintaining connection integrity.
3Ease of operation
If manual handling of the flat cable is required during circuit board attachment, then the cable can be positioned, but the worker must hold the cable with one hand, reducing overall work efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The holding member automatically positions and retracts the cable without requiring the worker to manually hold or manipulate it. This self-service mechanism frees both of the worker's hands for other tasks, significantly improving fitting work efficiency while ensuring proper cable positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding member serves as an intermediary that automatically manages cable positioning during the fitting process. It eliminates the need for direct manual cable handling by the worker, allowing the worker to focus on the primary task of attaching the circuit board without distraction.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus, including: a circuit board on which an electronic part and a connector are mounted; a housing to which the circuit board is attached; a flexible flat cable, having a connecting portion connected to the connector, configured to electrically connect the circuit board and another circuit board different from the circuit board provided in the image forming apparatus; and a holding member holding the flexible flat cable and rotatable integrally with the flexible flat cable with respect to the housing, wherein the holding member is rotatable with respect to the housing between a first position in which the connecting portion is connected to the connector and a second position in which the connecting portion is retracted from a fitting position of the circuit board in the housing in a state in which the connecting portion is removed from the connector.