Integrated Power Supply and Scanner Module for Portable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supply solutions for portable devices, such as laptop computers, require additional devices and substantial design changes to integrate a scanning function, leading to increased weight, volume, and cost, making them inconvenient for mobile commerce applications.
Innovation Solution
A power supply apparatus integrated with a scanning module, comprising a battery pack, scanning module, transmission assembly, power connector, and signal connector, which can be installed in a portable electronic device without altering its mechanical or electronic design, allowing for scanning without adding bulk or weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flatbed scanner is integrated with a laptop computer, then scanning function is provided, but weight and volume are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the scanning function from a traditional flatbed scanner and integrates it into a handheld form factor that can be attached to a laptop. This extraction allows the scanning capability to be separated from the heavy flatbed structure, reducing overall weight while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a movable scanning head that can be extended or retracted, and a handheld design that allows flexible positioning. This dynamic structure enables the scanner to adapt to different usage scenarios without requiring a fixed, heavy flatbed structure, thereby reducing weight.
2Ease of operation
If a handheld scanner is used, then portability is improved, but additional device burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the handheld scanner with the laptop computer into an integrated system. The scanner can be attached to the laptop and shares power supply, data transmission, and control resources, eliminating the need for a completely separate device and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld scanner is designed to work with the laptop computer's existing power supply, communication ports, and processing capabilities. This multi-functionality allows the same device to serve both as a portable scanner and as an integrated component of the laptop system, reducing the burden of additional devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If scanning module is integrated into power supply apparatus, then scanning function is added, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the scanning system into modular components: a handheld scanning module, a power supply apparatus with integrated battery, and connection interfaces. This segmentation allows each module to be manufactured independently using existing technologies, then assembled together, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses standard communication ports and power connectors as intermediaries between the scanning module and the power supply apparatus. These standardized interfaces simplify the integration process and reduce manufacturing complexity by avoiding custom connection designs.
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply apparatus with image scanning function is provided. The power supply apparatus is installed to a portable electronic device to supply power and scan documents, and it is also able to be handheld independently to scan documents. The power supply apparatus includes a battery pack and a scanning module. The battery pack supplies power to an electronic device electrically connected thereto and supplies power to the scanning module. The scanning module scans an object to be scanned and converts image into image data. Thus, the portable electronic device obtains the image data of the object to be scanned.