Dynamic Current Limiting for Multi-Motor Image Recording Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image recording apparatuses face challenges in efficiently driving multiple motors simultaneously due to power source limitations, leading to unstable behaviors and potential interruptions in the image recording process, especially when the current to one motor is lowered to prevent exceeding the allowable current.
Innovation Solution
An image recording apparatus with a controller that dynamically adjusts the current to each motor, setting a limitation current by subtracting the first driving current from the allowable current, while monitoring the carriage's behavior to prevent errors and ensure stable operation, allowing for efficient use of the power source without unnecessary reductions in motor performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the limitation current to one of the drivable devices is variably lowered to prevent exceeding the allowable current, then the current distribution is optimized, but the behavior of the drivable device becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the limitation current variable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically adjusts the limitation current for each drivable device based on real-time current consumption of other devices, ensuring the sum of all currents remains within the allowable current. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting the current distribution to changing operational conditions while maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the current consumption of each drivable device and using this information to adjust the limitation current for other devices. The controller receives feedback signals from current sensors and modifies the current allocation accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains stable overall operation while optimizing power source utilization.
2Productivity
If multiple drivable devices are driven simultaneously to speed up the image recording operation, then the productivity is improved, but the current consumption may exceed the allowable current from the power source
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables simultaneous operation of multiple drivable devices by dynamically adjusting the limitation current for each device. Instead of using a fixed current allocation that would restrict simultaneous operation, the controller continuously monitors total current consumption and adjusts individual device limits in real-time, allowing maximum productivity while preventing power source overload.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of limitation current from a fixed value to a variable that depends on the operational state of other drivable devices. By calculating the limitation current as the allowable current minus the sum of currents to other devices, the system optimizes the current distribution to enable simultaneous high-speed operation of multiple devices without exceeding the power source capacity.
3Reliability
If a fixed threshold value is set for monitoring current to prevent exceeding the allowable current, then the power source protection is ensured, but the current utilization efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed threshold monitoring with dynamic limitation current adjustment. Instead of using a predetermined fixed threshold that would unnecessarily restrict current consumption, the controller dynamically calculates the limitation current for each drivable device based on real-time conditions. This allows the system to utilize the power source capacity more efficiently while still providing reliable protection against exceeding the allowable current.
Data Source
AI summary
An image recording apparatus, having a power source, a drivable device, a head, a motor, a carriage, a sensor, and a controller, is provided. In a recording process, the controller sets a limitation current calculated by subtracting a variable first driving current from an allowable current to the power source, controls the power source to supply the first driving current to the drivable device and simultaneously supply a variable second driving current not exceeding the maximum current to the motor, and when the controller determines, based on a signal output from the sensor, that a behavior of the carriage satisfies an error condition, on condition that the drivable device has completed a targeted conveying action, issue an error alert, and on condition that the drivable device has not completed the targeted conveying action, control the motor to cause the carriage to continue moving without issuing the error alert.