Voltage Supply Unit for Developing Devices Reducing Switch Count
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses require a large number of switches to supply voltage to multiple developing devices, leading to increased manufacturing costs as the number of devices increases.
Innovation Solution
A voltage supplying unit with a controller and switching parts, including a second switching part and first switching parts, which are relay, solenoid, or magnetic types, to selectively supply developing voltage to developing device groups, reducing the number of switches needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional voltage switching part with one switch per developing device is used, then each developing device can be independently supplied with voltage, but the number of switches increases as the number of developing devices increases, causing manufacturing costs to rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the voltage supply function for multiple developing devices into a single voltage generating part with a single set of switching parts. Instead of having separate switches for each developing device, the invention uses one switching part that can selectively connect the voltage generating part to any of the multiple developing devices, thereby reducing the total number of switches while maintaining the ability to supply voltage to each device independently
Solution Approach 2:
The single switching part in the invention serves multiple functions by being able to selectively supply voltage to any of the multiple developing devices. This universal switching part replaces what would traditionally require multiple dedicated switches, one for each developing device, thus reducing component count while preserving full adaptability
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of developing devices is increased to provide more color options, then the image forming apparatus becomes more versatile, but the number of switches required increases proportionally, leading to higher manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the voltage supply infrastructure for multiple color developing devices into a shared system with a single voltage generating part and single switching part. This merging approach allows the apparatus to support multiple color options without requiring proportional increases in switching components, thereby controlling manufacturing costs while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The switching part is designed with universal functionality to serve all developing devices regardless of color. This multi-functional design allows the same switching part to be used for yellow, magenta, cyan, and black developing devices, eliminating the need for color-specific switches and reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost
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 allows for efficient voltage supply to multiple developing devices with a smaller number of switches, lowering manufacturing costs and maintaining the same effectiveness as conventional systems, even with increased device counts.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage generating part to generate a developing voltage, first switching parts to supply the voltage generated in the voltage generating part to a predetermined developing device
Implementation Method 2
first switching parts to supply the voltage generated in the voltage generating part to a predetermined developing device out of the plurality of developing devices, a second switching part to selectively supply the developing voltage generated in the voltage generating part to the first switching parts
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of developing devices, a voltage generating part to generate a developing voltage, first switching parts to supply the voltage generated in the voltage generating part to a predetermined developing device out of the plurality of developing devices, a second switching part to selectively supply the developing voltage generated in the voltage generating part to the first switching parts, and a controller to control the first switching parts and the second switching part.