Sensor Mounting Structure with Elastic Biasing for Thermal Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor mounting structures in image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately positioning temperature sensors near heating elements, requiring precise distance maintenance and secure attachment to prevent thermal measurement errors and mechanical instability.
Innovation Solution
A sensor mounting structure comprising a positioning member, a holding member, and a biasing member, where the biasing member, formed with arched parts, elastically deforms to securely attach and position the temperature sensor against the positioning member, ensuring consistent distance and stability through a resilient force, facilitating accurate thermal monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid mounting structure is used to securely attach the sensor, then the mechanical stability is improved, but the ability to absorb thermal expansion and maintain precise positioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member changes its physical state from rigid to elastically deformable, allowing it to absorb thermal expansion forces while maintaining sensor positioning. The elastic deformation enables the structure to adapt to thermal changes without compromising mechanical stability or positioning precision.
2Measurement precision
If the sensor is positioned very close to the heating element for accurate temperature detection, then the measurement precision is improved, but the risk of thermal damage and measurement error deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member acts as an intermediary between the sensor and the heating element, providing both mechanical support and thermal isolation. It maintains the optimal detection distance while protecting the sensor from direct thermal exposure, thus improving measurement precision without increasing thermal damage risk.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex positioning mechanisms are used to maintain precise sensor distance, then the positioning precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member provides self-adjusting positioning through its elastic properties, automatically compensating for thermal expansion and maintaining optimal sensor distance without requiring complex external control mechanisms. This simplifies the overall device structure while preserving 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
The solution enables precise and stable positioning of temperature sensors, maintaining a constant distance from the heating element, thereby enhancing the accuracy of thermal measurements and preventing overheating, while also simplifying the assembly process and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
the biasing member, while the holding member is attached to the positioning member, elastically deforms the arched part that is sandwiched between the holding member and the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor mounting structure includes a positioning member, a holding member, and a biasing member. The positioning member is a mounting reference of a sensor. The holding member is attachable to and detachable from the positioning member so as to form a space in which the sensor is disposed with respect to the positioning member. The biasing member includes an arched part which is overhung between a pair of engaging parts engaging with the holding member. The biasing member, while the holding member is attached to the positioning member, elastically deforms the arched part that is sandwiched between the holding member and the sensor that is disposed in the space so as to bias the sensor to the positioning member.