Terminal Surface Distance Extension for Compact Image Formers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The size reduction of image forming apparatuses is hindered by the necessary distances between electrical contact points, which are required for safety and efficiency but act as obstacles.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a surface distance extension part made of non-conductive material that surrounds terminals to extend the surface distance between adjacent contact points, allowing for closer proximity while maintaining electrical shielding through connectors and insulating caps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical contact points are arranged with sufficient distances between them for safety and efficiency, then electrical shielding is maintained, but the overall size of the image forming apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the surface distance between electrical contact points by adding a protrusion that protrudes from the support surface in the vertical dimension. This allows the horizontal distance between contact points to be reduced while maintaining sufficient surface distance through the vertical extension, thereby resolving the contradiction between compact size and electrical shielding.
2Volume of moving object
If electrical contact points are placed closer together to reduce apparatus size, then volume is reduced, but electrical shielding and safety are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing a vertical protrusion, the patent creates additional surface distance in the vertical dimension. This allows contact points to be positioned closer horizontally while the protrusion maintains adequate surface distance for electrical shielding, thus reducing apparatus volume without compromising safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusion acts as an intermediary structure between adjacent electrical contact points. It physically separates the contact points and extends the surface distance between them, serving as a mediator that prevents electrical interference while allowing compact arrangement of components.
3Reliability
If sufficient surface distance is maintained between electrical terminals, then electrical safety is ensured, but the support surface area required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusion extends the surface distance measurement into the vertical dimension. This allows electrical terminals to be positioned closer together on the horizontal support surface while the vertical height of the protrusion contributes to the total surface distance, thereby maintaining electrical safety without requiring increased horizontal support surface area.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an image forming apparatus with improved electrical connections. The image forming apparatus may includes a main body into which a device is detachably received. The electrical terminals provided in the main body connected correspondingly with electrical contact points provided on the detachable device. One or more surface distance extension parts may be arranged surrounding respectively one or more terminals such that the surface distance between two adjacent terminals can be increased. The detachable device may be, for example, a developing unit assembly, which may include one or more of a photoconductor, a charging device for charging the photoconductor to an electrical potential and a developer supply unit for supplying developer to the photoconductor.