AC-DC Power Source Mode Switching for Overcurrent Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, power source devices with a single AC-DC converter face issues where overcurrent protection leads to sudden shutdowns, making it difficult for users to understand the cause of failure, and there's a risk of element overheating and breakage due to continuous overload, resulting in further damage.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a power source device that includes a converting unit for AC to DC voltage conversion, a switching unit to switch between two modes of operation, and a controller to detect overcurrent states, switching to a safer mode and notifying the user of abnormalities, thereby preventing breakage and informing the user of issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If overcurrent protection stops the AC-DC converter output, then element breakage is prevented, but the operation stops suddenly and users cannot understand the cause
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements a feedback mechanism where the control unit detects overcurrent states and provides feedback to the display unit to notify users of the abnormality. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining element protection while adding information feedback about the failure cause.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a display unit as an intermediary between the overcurrent protection mechanism and the user. This mediator communicates the cause of operation stoppage to users, resolving the information loss problem while maintaining the protective function.
2Reliability
If overcurrent protection stops the output immediately, then element breakage is prevented, but continuous overload can still cause overheating and breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary detection of overcurrent states before they lead to overheating and breakage. By detecting and responding to overcurrent conditions early, the system prevents the progression to dangerous temperature levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors current levels and provides real-time feedback control, adjusting the output to prevent overheating while maintaining reliable operation under normal conditions.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single AC-DC converter is used, then cost is reduced, but overcurrent protection causes complete system shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the power conversion function into AC-DC conversion and DC-DC conversion stages, allowing the AC-DC converter to be protected independently while maintaining system operation through the DC-DC converter's voltage regulation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operating parameters of the power source device by switching between different output voltage modes (first mode with higher voltage, second mode with lower voltage) to maintain productivity while protecting against overcurrent conditions.
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
The solution allows the power source device to transition to a safe state before breakdown and notifies users of abnormalities, preventing overheating and element damage, and ensuring continuous operation by switching to a lower voltage mode when overcurrent is detected.
Implementation Method 1
a converting unit for converting an AC voltage to a DC voltage
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus provided with a power source device indicating a converting unit includes a switching unit, a discriminating unit, and a controller. In the case where the discriminating unit discriminates that an overcurrent state occurs during an operation of the power source device in a first mode, the mode of the operation of the power source device is switched to a second mode by the switching unit and then the occurrence of the overcurrent state is notified.