Dual-Range HVPS Voltage Control for Image Formers
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Solution Overview
Problem
New image forming devices with higher print speeds and quality require higher transfer voltages, which often exceed the capabilities of power supplies from previous models, limiting the reuse of these power supplies.
Innovation Solution
A control system that regulates the output voltage of a high voltage power supply by connecting at least two voltage sources in series, allowing the print engine controller to disable one source when the voltage draw exceeds the maximum differential voltage, thereby increasing the output voltage without requiring a complete redesign of the existing circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the power supply from a previous model is reused, then cost is reduced and engineering resources are decreased, but the output voltage is insufficient for higher print speed and quality requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the voltage sources controllable and switchable. The print engine controller dynamically enables or disables specific voltage sources based on the required transfer voltage levels. This allows the power supply to adapt its output capacity from a fixed configuration to a dynamic one, resolving the contradiction between reusing existing components and meeting higher power requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the existing voltage sources by selectively enabling or disabling them. Instead of changing the physical hardware configuration, the system modifies which voltage sources are active, thereby changing the total output voltage parameter. This allows the same hardware to deliver different voltage levels suitable for different print quality and speed requirements.
2Productivity
If higher transfer voltages are required for higher print speed and quality, then print performance is improved, but the existing power supply output is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the power supply multi-functional by enabling it to serve different print performance requirements using the same hardware. By selectively combining different voltage sources, the power supply can provide multiple output voltage levels, making it universal enough to support both lower-speed/quality modes (using fewer voltage sources) and higher-speed/higher-quality modes (using more voltage sources).
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts which voltage sources are active based on the required print performance. The print engine controller monitors or determines the needed transfer voltage and accordingly enables the appropriate combination of voltage sources, allowing the power supply to dynamically scale its output to match productivity requirements.
3Power
If more voltage sources are enabled to increase output voltage, then transfer voltage capability is improved, but circuit complexity and control requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control where the print engine controller monitors the operational state and voltage requirements, then adjusts which voltage sources are enabled accordingly. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically manage the complexity of having multiple voltage sources, as the controller intelligently determines the optimal configuration based on current needs, preventing unnecessary complexity from manifesting in the physical circuit operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments disclosed herein are directed to methods and devices for a control system to regulate the output voltage of a high voltage power supply (HVPS) in an image forming device. In one embodiment, the HVPS comprises at least two voltage sources connected in series. A print engine controller is configured to disable at least one of the voltage sources when a voltage draw of a load exceeds a maximum differential voltage of the at least two voltage sources.