Dynamic Power Supply Adjustment for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switching power supply devices for image forming apparatuses are limited in power supply due to fixed voltage specifications, not accounting for voltage fluctuations in commercial alternating-current power supplies, leading to insufficient power delivery to external devices and increased costs from higher-rated circuit components.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a power supply device that includes a voltage detection unit to adjust power supply to external devices based on input voltage levels, allowing power to be supplied when the voltage is high and reducing power when it's low, thereby optimizing power usage and component ratings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the maximum amount of power that can be supplied by the power supply device is increased to enable power supply to external apparatus during image formation, then power supply capability is improved, but the rated current of circuit components increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply device dynamically adjusts the power supply limit based on detected commercial power voltage levels. When voltage is high, the device allows higher power supply; when voltage is low, it reduces the power supply limit. This dynamic adaptation eliminates the need for high-rated components while ensuring safe operation across varying voltage conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operating parameters of the power supply device based on external voltage conditions. By detecting commercial power voltage and adjusting the power supply limit accordingly, the system operates efficiently with lower-rated components rather than requiring fixed high-capacity components for all conditions.
2Device complexity
If a fixed maximum power value is set in the power supply device, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to voltage fluctuations and power supply performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply device incorporates a feedback mechanism that detects commercial power voltage levels and uses this information to adjust the power supply limit. The control unit continuously monitors voltage and modifies operating parameters accordingly, enabling adaptive response to voltage fluctuations without requiring complex manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply device automatically adjusts its own operating parameters based on detected voltage conditions without external intervention. The control unit self-regulates the power supply limit by monitoring commercial power voltage, eliminating the need for manual settings or complex external control systems.
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 solution ensures consistent power delivery to external devices during image formation periods, reducing the need for high-rated components and lowering the overall cost of the power supply device while improving usability.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage detection unit configured to detect voltage information regarding an alternating current voltage input to the power supply device
Implementation Method 2
a switching power supply device that generates a direct current voltage by driving an electromagnetic transformer
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus to which an external apparatus is connected includes an image forming unit configured to form an image, and a power supply device configured to supply power to the image forming apparatus and the external apparatus. In a case where a value of an alternating current voltage input to the power supply device is a first value, the power supply device supplies first power to the external apparatus. In a case where the value of the alternating current voltage is a second value smaller than the first value, the power supply device supplies second power smaller than the first power to the external apparatus.