Separate Power Unit for Optional Post-Processing Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses have a high cost due to the inclusion of a power supply unit for optional post-processing devices, as these units are not always connected, leading to unnecessary power processing components in the main body device.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a separate power unit for the post-processing device, where the power unit transforms the input voltage to a different voltage for the post-processing unit, allowing optional devices to be attached and detached independently, reducing the need for power processing in the main body device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a power supply unit is included in the image forming main body device to supply power to optional post-processing devices, then the post-processing devices can be powered, but the price of the main body device becomes unnecessarily high
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply unit is extracted from the image forming main body device and placed in the post-processing device itself. This allows the main body device to avoid including unnecessary power processing components, reducing its price while still enabling power supply to optional post-processing devices when they are connected
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply unit in the post-processing device serves multiple functions: it powers the post-processing device itself and can also supply power to the image forming main body device when connected. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated power processing components in the main body device
2Reliability
If the power supply unit is placed in the main body device, then all connected devices can be powered, but optional post-processing devices increase the overall system cost
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply unit is extracted from the main body device and relocated to the post-processing device. This extraction allows optional post-processing devices to include their own power processing capabilities, making them self-sufficient and compatible with the main body device without forcing the main body to include expensive power processing components
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply configuration becomes dynamic rather than static. The power supply unit is only present in the system when an optional post-processing device is connected, allowing the system to adapt its power processing capabilities to the actual configuration and avoid unnecessary components
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 reduces the overall cost of the image forming apparatus by eliminating unnecessary power processing components in the main body device and allows for flexible attachment of optional post-processing units without increasing the device's price.
Implementation Method 1
a power unit attached to the supporting unit and supplied with the power of the first voltage from the main power supply unit, the power unit outputting the power thus supplied after a transformation process to a second voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A copy machine 1 is provided with: a main body device includes a main body ejection portion that ejects a target material on which an image is formed; and a post-processing device that performs predetermined post-processing on the target material that is fed to a post-processing unit inlet. The post-processing device is provided with a transformation unit that transforms a voltage of power supplied from a main power supply unit inside the main body device to a voltage required for driving of the post-processing device.