Image Forming Device Regenerative Power Backup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming devices face issues in reliably managing operating information due to power supply cutoffs during printing, leading to discrepancies between backed-up and actual life statuses of consumable products, which can result in premature usage and increased manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an image forming device with a regenerative unit that captures regenerative electric power from motors and uses it to write operating information into non-volatile memory when the main power is cut off, ensuring accurate life management without the need for frequent updates or additional power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the backup process is performed every time one page is printed, then the reliability of operating information management is improved, but the processing load on control device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device performs preliminary actions by frequently backing up operating information during normal operation, so that when power is cut off, the most recent data is already stored. This preliminary backup strategy ensures reliability without requiring heavy processing at critical moments.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful effect of power cutoff during printing into a beneficial opportunity by using regenerative power from motor deceleration to complete the backup process. This transforms a potentially data-loss scenario into a controlled backup opportunity.
2Measurement precision
If the backup process is performed frequently, then the accuracy of life management is improved, but the electric power consumed by the image forming device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention captures regenerative electric power generated during motor deceleration and uses it to power the backup process. This converts what would be wasted energy into a useful power source, enabling frequent backups without increasing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own operational energy (regenerative power from motors) to perform the backup function, rather than relying on external power sources. This self-service approach allows accurate life management without additional power consumption.
3Reliability
If a backup power source is provided to maintain power during printing, then the reliability of operating information backup is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing additional backup power sources, the invention benefits from the regenerative power already generated during motor deceleration. This eliminates the need for separate backup power systems while maintaining reliable backup operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The regenerative power unit acts as an intermediary, capturing energy from motor deceleration and transferring it to the backup process. This eliminates the need for direct connection to external power sources or internal backup batteries.
4Productivity
If the CPU performance is increased to handle frequent backup processes, then the productivity of information management is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device performs backup operations at predetermined intervals during normal operation, distributing the processing load over time rather than requiring high-performance processing at single points. This allows use of lower-performance, more cost-effective CPUs.
Solution Approach 2:
The backup process is performed periodically at predetermined intervals rather than continuously or at every printing event. This periodic approach reduces the instantaneous processing requirements, allowing use of less expensive CPU hardware while maintaining effective information management.
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 reliable life management and proper image formation by minimizing discrepancies between backed-up and actual operating information, reducing the need for high-performance CPUs and backup power sources, thereby lowering manufacturing costs and maintaining image quality.
Implementation Method 1
the image forming device uses counter electromotive force by a polygon motor which keeps rotating due to inertia
Implementation Method 2
a secondary battery is charged with counter electromotive force or regenerative electric power in an actuator such as a motor
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming device includes a power source unit, motors supplied with and driven by electric power from the power source unit, and a control device for controlling the motors' operations. A CPU in the control device monitors presence/absence of power supply from the power source unit. When power is cut off during image forming, the CPU causes regenerative braking of the motors. The regenerated power is voltage-converted by a second DC-DC converter in the power source unit and supplied to the control device for continuously driving the CPU, which in turn backs up operating information. This eliminates inconsistency between the actual life status and the backed-up information when power is off, with no need of frequent backup during image forming. It is thus possible to provide the image forming device which can reliably manage operating information even if power supply to the motors is stopped during printing.