Rotatable Electrical Contact Spring for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing replaceable fixing devices for image forming apparatuses face challenges in ensuring a good electrical connection while being easy to attach, as sharp spring ends can get caught on objects during assembly.
Innovation Solution
A device with a first spring and a second spring, where the first spring is rotatable about a boss, with an electrical contact that retracts during assembly to avoid catching and protrudes for secure contact upon attachment, and the second spring biases the first spring to ensure easy attachment and grounding of the heating member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sharp end of the spring is uncovered to ensure good electrical connection, then the electrical connection quality is improved, but the spring end is likely to get caught on objects during assembly, making attachment difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical contact is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position between retracted (during assembly) and protruding (during operation) states based on the operational phase
Solution Approach 2:
The second spring pre-biases the first spring to keep the electrical contact in a retracted position before assembly is complete, preventing catching issues in advance, and then allows protrusion when needed for connection
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 ensures a reliable electrical connection by preventing the electrical contact from getting caught during assembly and facilitating easy attachment, while also reducing the number of parts required for grounding.
Implementation Method 1
The second spring mechanically biases the first spring in one direction of rotation in which the first spring is rotatable about the boss
Data Source
AI summary
A device for an image forming apparatus includes a frame, a first spring, and a second spring. The frame includes a boss. The first spring includes a coil, a first arm and a second arm. The first arm includes at an end thereof an electrical contact that contacts an electrode of a main housing. When the device is not attached to the main housing, the first spring is biased by the second spring and located in a retracted position. When the device is being attached to the main housing, the second arm is pushed by the main housing and causes the first arm to rotate about the boss, whereby the electrical contact is located in a protruding position in which the electrical contact protrudes further outward of the frame than when the electrical contact is located in the retracted position and contacts the electrode.