Driving Element Thermal Control for Multi-Function Peripherals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature control techniques for driving elements in image reading apparatuses often require stopping the motor to suppress temperature rise, which can disrupt the execution of selected functions, especially in multi-function peripherals, leading to operational inefficiencies and potential communication errors during fax transmission.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a reception unit for selecting functions, a determination unit to assess the need for temperature rise suppression, and a stop control unit to manage the driving element's operation based on the selected function, allowing for temperature management without interrupting the execution of functions like fax transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the motor is stopped to suppress temperature rise, then the temperature management is improved, but the function execution is disrupted and operational efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the motor operation flexible and adaptive rather than static. The control unit dynamically adjusts motor operation based on real-time temperature monitoring and function type detection. The system transitions between continuous operation, intermittent operation, and stopped states based on thermal conditions, resolving the contradiction between temperature management and operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the motor based on temperature conditions and function types. When temperature exceeds thresholds, the system modifies operation parameters (stopping or reducing operation) while considering the specific function being executed. This parameter adaptation allows temperature control without completely halting operations, maintaining productivity where possible.
2Temperature
If the motor is stopped to suppress temperature rise, then the temperature management is improved, but the communication standards cannot be kept and reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating control strategies based on the specific function being executed. The control unit identifies the function type (e.g., fax transmission, scanning) and applies appropriate temperature management rules for each. For time-critical functions like fax transmission, the system maintains continuous operation to ensure communication standards are met, while applying stricter temperature control to non-critical functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its temperature control strategy based on the detected function type. When a communication-critical function is detected, the control unit prioritizes reliability by maintaining motor operation even at elevated temperatures. This dynamic adaptation ensures communication standards are preserved while still managing temperature for non-critical operations.
3Productivity
If a larger electric current is supplied to increase reading speed, then the productivity is improved, but the heat generation increases and temperature management becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing intermittent motor operation when temperature thresholds are exceeded. Instead of continuous high-current operation that generates excessive heat, the system periodically stops or reduces motor operation to allow cooling. This periodic duty cycle reduces average heat generation while still achieving necessary reading speeds through burst operation when thermal conditions permit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (current supply, operation continuity) based on temperature feedback. When temperature is within acceptable ranges, the motor operates at high current for maximum reading speed. When temperature exceeds thresholds, the system reduces current or interrupts operation to manage heat generation, dynamically adjusting parameters to balance speed and temperature.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus according to the present invention includes a reception unit which receives selection of a function from a plurality of types of functions, an execution unit which executes the function received by the reception unit, a determination unit which determines whether temperature rise suppression of a predetermined driving element is necessary, and a stop control unit which performs stop control on the predetermined driving element in accordance with the type of the selected function, if the determination unit determines that temperature rise suppression is necessary.