Image Forming Apparatus Power Management via Dynamic Speed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed image forming apparatuses face power supply limitations, leading to reduced throughput due to increased power consumption, which can result in insufficient power being supplied to the fixing unit, especially under low voltage conditions, causing a decrease in printing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a control unit that calculates and compares the power usage with the suppliable power to determine whether to increase or maintain throughput, adjusting the printing speed accordingly to ensure sufficient power is provided to the fixing unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the operating speed of the image forming apparatus is increased to achieve high productivity, then the throughput is improved, but the power consumption increases and may exceed the maximum amount of current suppliable from the commercial power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic speed adjustment of the image forming apparatus based on real-time power supply conditions. The control unit monitors the input voltage from the commercial power supply and dynamically adjusts the operating speed of motors and throughput of the apparatus to match available power capacity, preventing overloading while maximizing productivity when power is sufficient
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters (speed, throughput) based on power supply conditions. When the input voltage indicates sufficient power capacity, the apparatus operates at high speed with increased throughput. When power capacity is limited, the control unit reduces speed and throughput parameters to stay within the maximum suppliable current, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and power consumption
2Reliability
If the throughput is reduced to prevent power overload, then the power consumption is controlled within limits, but the time period until all designated recording materials are output increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback control by continuously monitoring the input voltage from the commercial power supply and adjusting the operating speed accordingly. The control unit uses this feedback to determine when it is safe to increase throughput without causing power overload, thus minimizing output time while maintaining power supply stability. This dynamic feedback mechanism allows the apparatus to operate at high throughput whenever power conditions permit
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 allows for high productivity by dynamically adjusting the printing speed based on available power, preventing throughput reduction and ensuring continuous operation without compromising printing quality.
Implementation Method 1
a fixing unit having a heater and configured to heat and fix the image formed on a recording material onto the recording material
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a high productivity image forming apparatus in which a control unit calculates power to be used in the apparatus in a case where a throughput thereof is increased and compares the power to be used and suppliable power to the apparatus to determine whether the throughput is to be increased or not.