Image Forming System Power Supply Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming systems consume excessive power due to the need for continuous monitoring of control signals by option devices, leading to increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The system implements a power-saving mechanism by controlling the power supply to option devices, such as a tower tray, through a controller that adjusts voltage levels and shuts down unnecessary components during idle modes, using a tower tray low-voltage power supply that switches between 24 V, 6 V, and 0 V based on the printer's operational mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the control circuit continuously monitors control signals via the communication interface, then the option device can receive control signals transmitted from the image forming apparatus at any time, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit performs preliminary actions by periodically checking for control signals at predetermined intervals instead of continuously monitoring. This allows the option device to be ready to receive control signals while reducing unnecessary continuous operation of the control circuit, thereby lowering power consumption while maintaining responsiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit operates periodically by checking for control signals at predetermined time intervals rather than continuously. This periodic operation reduces power consumption by keeping the control circuit inactive during intervals when no signals are being checked, while still ensuring timely reception of control signals from the image forming apparatus.
2Ease of operation
If the power supply unit supplies power to the control circuit continuously, then the control circuit remains activated to monitor control signals, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply unit dynamically adjusts its operation by switching between supplying power and stopping power to the control circuit based on whether a control signal is detected. This dynamic operation allows the system to maintain ease of operation when signals are present while reducing power consumption during idle periods when no control signals are being received.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit autonomously determines when power should be supplied by checking for control signals itself and controlling the power supply unit accordingly. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for continuous external power supply while ensuring the control circuit remains operational when control signals are present, balancing ease of operation with power conservation.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming system includes an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit, a housing, an apparatus controller, and an apparatus power supply. The apparatus power supply is configured to generate a control voltage that is supplied to the apparatus controller and an apparatus drive voltage that is supplied to the image forming unit, the apparatus power supply including an output terminal from which the control voltage is outputted. The image forming apparatus includes a first connection terminal, and a second connection terminal. The apparatus controller is configured to transmit a change command via the second connection terminal and change an operation status of the apparatus power supply after the apparatus controller receives information in response to the change command. The image forming system can also include an option device connected to the first and second connection terminals.