Dual AC/DC Power Supply Segmentation for Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face inefficiencies in power supply when transitioning to power saving mode, as the AC/DC circuit designed for maximum power in common action mode results in reduced power-supply efficiency on the secondary side, making it difficult to enhance power-saving capabilities.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a second AC/DC circuit specifically designed to match the load of units in power saving mode, with multiple such circuits arranged for units exceeding two, and a control unit to manage the transition between common and power saving modes by selectively switching between first and second AC/DC circuits based on operational needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the AC/DC circuit is designed to supply maximum power in common action mode, then the power supply capacity is sufficient for all modes, but the power-supply efficiency drops when power consumption is reduced in power saving mode
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is divided into two separate AC/DC circuits: a first AC/DC circuit designed for common action mode with high power capacity, and a second AC/DC circuit designed for power saving mode with optimized efficiency at lower power levels. This segmentation allows each circuit to operate in its optimal efficiency range for its designated mode, resolving the contradiction between power capacity and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit dynamically switches between the first and second AC/DC circuits based on the operational mode detected by the mode detection unit. When power saving mode is detected, the system transitions to using the second AC/DC circuit, which is optimized for lower power consumption scenarios, thereby maintaining high power-supply efficiency while still having the capability to supply maximum power when needed.
2Device complexity
If a single AC/DC circuit is used for both common and power saving modes, then the device complexity is reduced, but the power-supply efficiency cannot be optimized for power saving mode
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is divided into two separate AC/DC circuits: a first AC/DC circuit designed for common action mode with high power capacity, and a second AC/DC circuit designed for power saving mode with optimized efficiency at lower power levels. This segmentation allows each circuit to operate in its optimal efficiency range for its designated mode, resolving the contradiction between power capacity and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit provides universal control over both AC/DC circuits, dynamically selecting the appropriate circuit based on operational mode. The mode detection unit and control unit work together to determine when to switch between circuits, providing multi-functional capability that adapts to different power consumption scenarios while maintaining optimized efficiency in each mode.
3Loss of energy
If the power-supply efficiency is optimized for power saving mode using a power transformer, then the efficiency at low power levels improves, but the AC/DC circuit cannot supply maximum power in common action mode
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is divided into two separate AC/DC circuits: a first AC/DC circuit designed for common action mode with high power capacity, and a second AC/DC circuit designed for power saving mode with optimized efficiency at lower power levels. This segmentation allows each circuit to operate in its optimal efficiency range for its designated mode, resolving the contradiction between power capacity and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Each AC/DC circuit is designed with different characteristics optimized for its specific operational context: the first circuit has high power capacity for common action mode, while the second circuit has optimized power-supply efficiency characteristics for power saving mode. This local optimization of quality parameters allows each circuit to excel in its designated operating condition without compromising the other.
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 approach enhances power-supply efficiency in power saving mode by optimizing voltage delivery to only necessary units, thereby reducing overall power consumption and aligning with stricter energy standards.
Implementation Method 1
a second AC/DC circuit 26 which converts an AC voltage into a DC voltage
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device capable of acting in a common action mode and a power saving mode in an embodiment comprises: a first AC/DC circuit configured to supply a direct voltage to a plurality of units which act in the common action mode; a second AC/DC circuit configured to supply a direct voltage for the specific one of the units which acts in the power saving mode; a switching circuit configured to make a switching so that the first direct voltage is supplied to the plurality of units in the common action mode and the second direct voltage is supplied to the specific unit in the power saving mode; and a control unit configured to distinguish between the common action mode and the power saving mode and control the switching circuit.