Wireless Power Supply Apparatus for Image Forming Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face increased size and cost due to the need for transformers to isolate and transform low-frequency commercial power, and additional isolation requirements for temperature control circuits, leading to inefficiencies and higher costs.
Innovation Solution
A power supply apparatus with a first circuit connected to a power source and a second isolated circuit, featuring an adjustment unit, controllers, and wireless communication, allowing for the detection and control of power parameters without the need for transformers, thereby optimizing the image forming apparatus's performance without increasing its size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a transformer is used to isolate and transform low-frequency commercial power, then power supply isolation and transformation are achieved, but the apparatus size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional transformer-based isolation system with a wireless communication system using electromagnetic coupling between coils. The primary side controller and secondary side controller communicate wirelessly, eliminating the need for a physical transformer while maintaining isolation between circuits. This substitution of mechanical/electromagnetic transformation with wireless communication resolves the contradiction by achieving isolation without the bulk of a transformer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using high-frequency wireless communication signals instead of low-frequency power transformation. By operating at higher frequencies for data communication rather than power transformation, the system avoids the large transformer requirements associated with low-frequency operation, thus reducing apparatus size while maintaining isolation.
2Power
If a transformer is used to transform low-frequency voltage, then voltage transformation is achieved, but the transformer size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the transformer-based voltage transformation system with a wireless power transmission system using electromagnetic coupling. The secondary side coil wirelessly receives power from the primary side coil, eliminating the need for a large transformer while achieving the same voltage transformation function. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining power transformation capability without the associated size increase.
3Reliability
If isolation configurations are added to temperature control circuits, then circuit isolation is achieved, but the apparatus size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power transmission function and the communication function into a single wireless electromagnetic coupling system. The same primary side coil and secondary side coil used for powerless power transmission also serve as antennas for bidirectional data communication. This merging eliminates the need for separate isolation configurations in temperature control circuits, reducing both apparatus size and complexity while maintaining circuit isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless electromagnetic coupling system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides circuit isolation, transmits power wirelessly, and enables bidirectional data communication between the primary and secondary sides. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated isolation configurations, thereby reducing device complexity and size while maintaining the required isolation for temperature control circuits.
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 enables efficient control of power and temperature in image forming apparatuses, reducing size and cost by eliminating the need for transformers and additional isolation configurations, while maintaining effective power management and temperature control.
Implementation Method 1
a second communication unit provided in the second circuit, isolated from the first communication unit, and configured to perform wireless communication with the first communication unit
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a first circuit, a second circuit isolated from the first circuit, an adjustment unit configured to adjust power supplied to a load, a first controller, a detection unit configured to detect a parameter related to the power supplied to the load, a first communication unit, a second communication unit configured to perform wireless communication with the first communication unit, and a second controller. The first communication unit is operated by power supplied by a signal generated in the first communication unit due to a signal output from the second controller. The first communication unit transmits, to the second communication unit, information about a result of detection by the detection unit. The second controller supplies the first controller with a signal for controlling the adjustment unit. The first controller controls the adjustment unit based on the signal.