Controller Power Interruption for High Voltage Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses pose safety risks due to exposure to high voltages when mechanical cover switches fail, and existing solutions are costly and complex.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a controller that interrupts power output if the cover is open or a replaceable unit is not installed, using a relay connector and switching device to ensure safe operation and detect fuse status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical cover switch is used to protect users from high voltage, then user safety is improved, but the device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cover switch with an electronic control system. The controller detects cover opening status and replaceable unit installation status through electrical signals, then controls the power supply to interrupt high voltage output when safety conditions are not met. This electronic approach eliminates the mechanical switch's contact terminal wear and inelasticity problems while reducing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary between the cover switch and the high voltage generating part. The controller processes signals from the cover switch and replaceable unit detection, then controls the power supply accordingly. This intermediary layer provides redundant protection even when the mechanical switch fails, while allowing the use of a simpler mechanical switch structure.
2Reliability
If a mechanical cover switch is used to protect users from high voltage, then user safety is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cover switch with an electronic control system. The controller detects cover opening status and replaceable unit installation status through electrical signals, then controls the power supply to interrupt high voltage output when safety conditions are not met. This electronic approach eliminates the mechanical switch's contact terminal wear and inelasticity problems while reducing structural complexity.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the mechanical cover switch is used more than a predetermined number of times, then the switch contact terminal wears away or becomes inelastic, but user safety protection is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary between the cover switch and the high voltage generating part. The controller processes signals from the cover switch and replaceable unit detection, then controls the power supply accordingly. This intermediary layer provides redundant protection even when the mechanical switch fails, while allowing the use of a simpler mechanical switch structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously monitors the cover switch status and replaceable unit installation status, and adjusts the power supply output accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that even if the mechanical switch fails after prolonged use, the controller can detect the unsafe condition and interrupt high voltage output to maintain user safety.
4Reliability
If the controller interrupts power output when replaceable unit is not installed, then user safety is improved, but the device cannot perform imaging function
Solution Approach 1:
The controller checks whether the replaceable unit is properly installed before enabling high voltage output and imaging function. This preliminary check ensures that safety conditions are met before the device operates, preventing user exposure to high voltage while maintaining full imaging functionality when properly configured.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus including: a body; an electronic unit; a replaceable unit that is detachably installed within the body; a power supply that generates and outputs a predetermined operation voltage; a high voltage generating part that receives the operation voltage and generates and outputs a high voltage; an electronic unit driving part that receives the operation voltage and regulates a driving voltage supplied to the electronic unit; and a controller that controls the power supply to cut off the operation voltage if the replaceable unit is not installed within the body. Also taught is a method of operating the image forming apparatus.