Image Forming Apparatus Power Control via Dynamic Paper Feeding Intervals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional PPM control methods for image forming apparatuses increase power consumption by requiring prolonged operation and reactivation of loads, which may not be optimal for reducing energy usage.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with decision and determination units that calculate and select between two modes of controlling the paper feeding interval to minimize power consumption, either by suspending paper feeding operations or expanding transportation intervals, based on predefined conditions such as the number of printed sheets and interior temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If PPM control is implemented to prevent duplex tacking and fixing unit breakage, then reliability is improved, but power consumption increases due to prolonged load operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the paper feeding interval adjustable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically changes the paper feeding interval based on the number of sheets printed in advance, allowing the system to adapt between continuous feeding (high productivity) and extended intervals (low power consumption) depending on print volume conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of paper feeding interval based on print job characteristics. When the number of sheets to be printed in advance is small, the paper feeding interval is extended to reduce power consumption. When the number is large, the interval is shortened to maintain productivity, thus optimizing the balance between power consumption and productivity through parameter adjustment
2Use of energy by moving object
If the paper feeding interval is extended to reduce power consumption, then power consumption decreases, but productivity is reduced due to slower printing completion
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the paper feeding interval based on real-time print job conditions (number of sheets to be printed in advance). This dynamic adjustment allows the system to switch between power-saving mode (extended intervals for small print jobs) and productivity mode (shorter intervals for large print jobs), resolving the contradiction between power consumption and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the paper feeding interval parameter according to the print job size. For small print jobs, the interval is extended to save power. For large print jobs, the interval is maintained short to ensure productivity. This conditional parameter change resolves the trade-off between power consumption and productivity
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus transporting sheets of paper at a predetermined interval and forming an image on the sheets has, as modes for controlling the predetermined interval, a first mode of suspending a next paper feeding operation, for a predetermined time and for every predetermined number of sheets of paper and a second mode of expanding the interval of transportation between the paper feeding operations while continuing the transportation. The image forming apparatus decides whether a predefined first condition for starting control of the interval is satisfied during normal printing, determines a mode of the control in response to a decision that the condition is satisfied, and performs the control in the determined mode. The image forming apparatus calculates power consumption in each mode from the decision that the condition is satisfied to completion of uncompleted printing, and selects a mode in which the power consumption is relatively lower.