Rotating Heating Element Connector with Pressing Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
In rotating resistance heating elements used in image forming apparatuses, conduction failures occur due to damage from contact terminals during connector attachment or detachment, and uneven pressure distribution caused by micro irregularities on the heating element's surface.
Innovation Solution
A heating device with a rotatable resistance heating element, a connector that includes a contact terminal rotating with the element, and a pressing structure that ensures constant contact between the contact terminal and the electrode portion after connector attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the contact terminal is pressed against the electrode portion during connector attachment, then electrical connection is established, but the resistance heating element may be damaged resulting in conduction failure
Solution Approach 1:
The contact terminal is configured to automatically contact the electrode portion when the connector is attached to the resistance heating element, establishing electrical connection before any pressing action occurs. This preliminary contact prevents damage during the connection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing structure is designed to apply gradual pressure to the contact terminal after electrical connection is established, cushioning the transition from contact to pressed state to prevent sudden impact damage to the resistance heating element while maintaining stable conduction.
2Ease of operation
If the contact terminal position is fixed, then connection is simple, but pressure cannot be kept constant due to micro irregularities on the heating element surface resulting in conduction failure
Solution Approach 1:
The contact terminal is designed with movable capability relative to the connector body, allowing it to adjust its position dynamically when pressed against the electrode portion. This dynamic adjustment compensates for micro irregularities on the heating element surface while maintaining constant pressure for reliable conduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing structure modifies the pressure parameter applied to the contact terminal, enabling constant pressure maintenance despite surface irregularities. The pressing force can be adjusted to ensure stable electrical connection without damaging the heating element.
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 prevents conduction failures in rotating resistance heating elements by ensuring stable electrical connection and consistent pressure contact, even with micro irregularities on the heating element's surface.
Implementation Method 1
a resistance heating element that includes an electrode portion to which electric power is supplied
Data Source
AI summary
A heating device includes a resistance heating element that includes an electrode portion to which electric power is supplied and is rotatable, a connector that is attached to the resistance heating element, includes a contact terminal rotatable together with the resistance heating element, and supplies electric power to the resistance heating element through the contact terminal, and a pressing structure that presses the contact terminal against the electrode portion after the connector is attached to the resistance heating element.