Tapered Engagement Projection for Data Reader Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Contact-type data readers for image forming apparatuses face challenges with positional deviation between electrode pins and ID chip terminals, leading to improper electrical connections and potential overcurrent issues, which increase costs and complicate handling.
Innovation Solution
A data reader design with a tapered engagement projection that fits into a positioning opening, ensuring accurate positioning and preventing deformation, while the apparatus-side ground terminal is covered to avoid overcurrent by grounding securely before reading data from the ID chip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrode pins are used to contact ID chip terminals, then data reading function is achieved, but positional deviation occurs leading to connection failures
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces traditional cylindrical electrode pins with a hook-shaped electrode that features a curved engagement portion. This curved geometry allows the electrode to flexibly adapt to positional deviations between the ID chip terminals and the reading member, ensuring reliable electrical connection even when perfect alignment is not achieved during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The hook-shaped electrode incorporates a flexible engagement portion that can dynamically adjust its position and orientation during the insertion process. This dynamic capability allows the electrode to self-correct for manufacturing tolerances and assembly variations, maintaining stable electrical contact without requiring high-precision positioning mechanisms.
2Reliability
If ground terminal is exposed during installation, then grounding function is provided, but overcurrent may occur before proper grounding is established
Solution Approach 1:
The invention positions the ground terminal's engagement portion to extend further than other electrode pins during the insertion process. This preliminary positioning ensures that the ground connection is established first, before any other electrical connections are made, preventing overcurrent conditions by ensuring proper grounding is in place before data reading operations begin.
Solution Approach 2:
The extended ground terminal proactively prevents overcurrent damage by establishing a safe grounding path before any potentially harmful electrical connections can occur. This preliminary protective action counteracts the risk of improper grounding by ensuring the ground connection is made first, thereby preventing rather than merely responding to overcurrent conditions.
3Ease of operation
If conventional electrode pins are used, then data reading is enabled, but deformation of electrode pins may occur during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The hook-shaped electrode's curved engagement portion provides inherent flexibility and shock absorption during insertion. This curved geometry distributes mechanical stresses more evenly and prevents the sharp bends that occur with straight electrode pins, thereby maintaining structural integrity while facilitating easy installation without deformation.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A data reader (50) includes a memory board (40) provided to a removable member (15) and a reading member (26) including a reading terminal (32; 33; 34). The memory board (40) includes a positioning opening (46), a ground terminal (49) provided to the positioning opening, and a contact terminal (36; 37; 38). The reading member (26) includes an engagement projection (35) that fits in the positioning opening (46) and is disposed adjacent and parallel to the reading terminal (32; 33; 34). The engagement projection (35) includes a uniform diameter portion (351), a tapered portion (352) extending from the uniform diameter portion, and an apparatus-side ground terminal (37) to contact the ground terminal (49) of the memory board (40) when the engagement projection (35) fits in the positioning opening (46). The apparatus-side ground terminal (37) includes a portion (371) projecting laterally from the uniform diameter portion (351), from an end of the uniform diameter portion (351) toward a reading member base (31), and an extended portion (372) at the end of the uniform diameter portion (351), covered with the tapered portion (3 52).