High Voltage Power Source Substrate for Image Forming Apparatus
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face inefficiencies in electric power saving, as they continue to supply voltage to high voltage generating circuits during power-saving modes, resulting in continuous weak current flow through transformers.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an ON/OFF circuit that switches the low voltage supply to the high voltage generating and maintaining circuits, allowing the controller to selectively input or cut off low voltage, thereby stopping the driving of the high voltage maintaining circuit and cutting off current flow through the high voltage generating circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the low voltage is continuously supplied to the high voltage generating circuit during power-saving mode, then the high voltage maintaining circuit can maintain stable operation, but continuous weak current flows through the transformer causing energy waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the power supply state changeable - the ON/OFF circuit dynamically switches between supplying low voltage to the high voltage generating circuit and cutting off the supply. This allows the system to transition from a static continuous supply to a dynamic conditional supply, enabling power-saving mode while maintaining operational reliability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power supply parameter from continuous to intermittent by introducing the ON/OFF circuit. This circuit modifies the voltage supply parameter, allowing the low voltage to be supplied only when necessary (during operation mode) and cut off during power-saving mode, thereby eliminating continuous weak current flow through the transformer while maintaining stable operation when required.
2Loss of energy
If the low voltage power source is cut off completely during power-saving mode, then energy consumption is reduced, but the high voltage circuits cannot be properly controlled when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply control into two independent functions: the ON/OFF circuit handles the power-saving function by cutting off low voltage supply, while the controller maintains control capability through separate control signals. This segmentation allows energy reduction without sacrificing operational control, as the controller can still send control signals to the high voltage generating and maintaining circuits even when power is cut off.
Solution Approach 2:
The ON/OFF circuit acts as an intermediary between the low voltage power source and the high voltage circuits. It mediates the power supply by selectively blocking or allowing voltage based on operational mode, while the controller serves as another intermediary that manages control signals independently. This intermediary structure enables energy saving while preserving control capability through separate signal transmission paths.
3Loss of energy
If the high voltage generating circuit is completely turned off during power-saving mode, then energy consumption is minimized, but the system cannot quickly resume normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by keeping the controller and control circuits active during power-saving mode, so that when normal operation is required, the system can quickly resume without needing to reinitialize control logic. The ON/OFF circuit can be quickly switched back to supplying power, and the controller is already in position to immediately send control signals to the high voltage generating and maintaining circuits, minimizing resume time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamics by creating a rapid-switching capability through the ON/OFF circuit. This dynamic switching mechanism allows the system to quickly transition between power-saving mode (power cut off) and normal operation mode (power supplied), enabling fast resume of normal operation while maintaining energy savings during idle periods.
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 enhances electric power saving by reliably stopping the low voltage supply to the high voltage circuits, including when the device's cover is opened, thereby reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a high voltage generating circuit configured to generate high voltage by boosting inputted low voltage
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a print engine which forms an image on a sheet; a high voltage power source substrate which applies output voltage to the print engine and which has a high voltage generating circuit for generating a high voltage by boosting inputted low voltage and a high voltage maintaining circuit for maintaining the high voltage at a predetermined value, the high voltage maintaining circuit being driven by the inputted low voltage; a low voltage power source which inputs the low voltage to the high voltage generating circuit and the high voltage maintaining circuit; and an ON/OFF circuit which switches whether or not the low voltage is inputted from the low voltage power source to the high voltage generating circuit and the high voltage maintaining circuit.