Image-Forming Power Control Using DC Fluctuation Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power control technologies in image forming apparatuses fail to adjust power allocation for fixing devices based on real-time fluctuations in DC power, leading to excessive reduction of power during initial operation stages, which can exceed maximum power limits.
Innovation Solution
A power control apparatus and method that calculates fluctuations in DC power during preset control periods and adjusts AC power allocation to fixing devices based on the average of these fluctuations, ensuring the total power does not exceed maximum limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If DC power for each apparatus operation status stored in advance is used to control power allocation, then power control can be implemented, but power is not reduced in accordance with the fluctuation of DC power leading to excessive reduction of power allocated for fixing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by detecting actual DC power values during apparatus operation and using this detected information to adjust AC power allocation dynamically. The control circuit detects DC power at multiple timings and uses this feedback to determine appropriate AC power allocation, ensuring power is reduced in accordance with actual DC power fluctuations rather than using predetermined stored values.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static power control using predetermined stored DC power values to dynamic power control by continuously detecting actual DC power during operation. The system dynamically adjusts AC power allocation based on real-time DC power detection results, allowing power allocation to adapt to changing operational conditions and DC power fluctuations.
2Power
If AC power is reduced based on detected DC power to prevent exceeding rated current, then power limits are controlled, but excessive reduction of power allocated for fixing occurs due to not accounting for DC power fluctuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by allocating AC power based on a proportional relationship with detected DC power rather than using fixed reduction amounts. The control circuit determines AC power allocation as a partial amount corresponding to the detected DC power level, ensuring that power reduction is appropriate to actual operational needs rather than excessive.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter basis for power control from predetermined stored DC power values to actual detected DC power values. By changing the reference parameter from static stored data to dynamic detected data, the system adjusts AC power allocation to match actual operational conditions, preventing both excessive reduction and ensuring power limits are maintained.
3Use of energy by moving object
If power allocated for fixing is determined on the basis of detection result of DC power, then power supply efficiency is improved, but total power may still exceed maximum limits during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting DC power at multiple timings including before and during apparatus operation, and using this advance detection information to determine AC power allocation. The control circuit performs preliminary detection and calculation to set AC power levels that will maintain total power within limits throughout operation, preventing exceedance before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback by continuously monitoring DC power detection results and adjusting AC power allocation accordingly. The control circuit receives feedback from DC power detection at multiple timings and uses this information to dynamically adjust AC power levels, ensuring total power remains within maximum limits while maintaining efficient power supply to operational components.
Data Source
AI summary
A power control apparatus includes a power detection circuit to detect DC power converted from AC power supplied from a power supply and to be supplied to a control board of an image forming apparatus. The power control apparatus includes circuitry configured to, in response to a first printing operation performed by the image forming apparatus, calculate fluctuations in the DC power in each preset control period from a start of the first printing operation until stabilization of the DC power. The power control apparatus includes, in response to a printing operation subsequent to the first printing operation performed by the image forming apparatus, determine allocation of the AC power to a fixing device of the image forming apparatus in a next preset control period based on power obtained by adding, to the DC power, an average of the fluctuations in a plurality of preset control periods.