Power Supply Device with Shared Transformer for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power supply systems for image forming apparatuses require multiple power supplies due to different voltage requirements for components, leading to inefficiency and increased complexity, especially in color printing applications where power demands vary among components.
Innovation Solution
A power supply system using a common transformer to generate driving voltages for multiple components, with an output converter that detects and amplifies voltages, and a feedback processor to adjust amplitudes within an acceptable error range, allowing independent control of voltage amplitudes for each component.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple power supplies are used to provide different voltage levels to different components, then each component receives its required driving voltage, but the system complexity and number of transformers increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power supply functions into a single integrated power supply device. One transformer provides multiple isolated secondary windings that can independently generate different voltage levels for different components (charger, transfer unit, etc.), eliminating the need for multiple separate transformers and power supply circuits while maintaining reliable voltage supply to each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The single transformer in the power supply device is designed with multiple secondary windings that can serve multiple functions simultaneously. Each winding can independently provide voltage to different components with different power requirements, making the single transformer universal for powering the entire image forming apparatus.
2Ease of operation
If separate power supplies are provided for each component, then independent voltage control is achieved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent power supply units into one integrated device. The single transformer with multiple secondary windings, combined with individual voltage control circuits for each winding, provides independent voltage control capability while reducing the total number of components and simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
While integrating the power supply into a single device, the patent segments the voltage control functions. Each secondary winding has its own independent voltage control circuit that can adjust voltage levels separately, enabling independent control of voltage for each component while maintaining a unified power supply structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transformers are used for different components, then voltage requirements are met, but the number of components and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple transformers into a single transformer with multiple secondary windings. This single transformer can adapt to different voltage requirements of various components through its multiple windings, maintaining voltage adaptability while reducing the quantity of transformers from multiple separate units to one integrated unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The single transformer is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple components. Each secondary winding can be independently configured to provide the appropriate voltage level for different components (charger, transfer unit, etc.), making the single transformer universal for meeting diverse voltage requirements.
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 solution reduces the number of transformers needed, enhances efficiency by allowing independent control of voltage amplitudes, and simplifies the power supply system, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and ensuring stable power delivery to components.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer to transform input voltage to output as a driving voltage to one of the plurality of components
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply includes a transformer to transform an input voltage into an output driving voltage for one of a plurality of components of an image forming apparatus, and an output converter to detect the driving voltage being output from the transformer, to amplify the detected driving voltage according to a power control signal, and to output the amplified driving voltage to at least one remaining component in the plurality of components of the image forming apparatus. The power supply can not only control high voltage outputs individually, but also reduces the number of switching transformers being used, as it uses at least one shared switching transformer.