Connection Unit Power Divider for Scanner Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image formation systems require multiple power source adapters when integrating multiple image formation apparatuses, leading to increased complexity and cable management issues due to the need for separate power and communication cables for each device.
Innovation Solution
An image formation system with a connection unit that includes a power receiver, a power divider, and multiple power outputters, allowing power to be input and divided for distribution to multiple image formation apparatuses, reducing the need for individual power source adapters and simplifying cable management by using communication cables for power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple power source adapters are used to supply power to each image formation apparatus individually, then each apparatus can receive adequate power, but the number of power source adapters and cables increases, leading to increased system complexity and cable management issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple power source adapters into a single power source adapter that can supply power to multiple image formation apparatuses simultaneously. The connection unit integrates power reception, power division, and power distribution functions, reducing the total number of power adapters from multiple (one per apparatus) to just one, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining power supply reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The connection unit is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a communication hub and a power distribution unit. It receives power from a single power source adapter, divides the power into multiple output lines, and distributes it to multiple image formation apparatuses, eliminating the need for separate power adapters for each device
2Reliability
If separate power cables and communication cables are connected to each image formation apparatus, then power and data can be transmitted reliably, but cable management becomes complicated and the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power cable connections and communication cable connections into a single integrated connection between the power source adapter and each image formation apparatus. The connection unit enables both power and data transmission through unified interfaces, reducing the number of separate cable connections and simplifying cable management
Solution Approach 2:
The connection unit acts as an intermediary device that mediates between the single power source adapter and multiple image formation apparatuses. It receives power, divides it, and distributes it while also managing communication signals, thereby simplifying the overall connection topology and cable management
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
This configuration decreases the number of power source adapters required, reduces cable complexity, and ensures reliable power distribution while maintaining high-reliability communication by separating power and communication lines on the circuit substrate.
Implementation Method 1
a power divider that divides power input from the power receiver into plural types, and a plurality of power outputters that outputs each power divided by the power divider to the plurality of image formation apparatuses
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading system is configured by integrally assembling a flatbed scanner apparatus and a sheet-fed scanner apparatus using a separate component, a connection unit. A circuit substrate for a power source system and a communication system is disposed in the connection unit. The circuit substrate includes a power source input connector to which power is input, a power divider that divides power input from the power source input connector into plural types, and a power source output connector and a communication connector that output each power divided by the power divider to each scanner apparatus.