Image Forming Power Control for Low-Power Overvoltage Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses lack efficient mechanisms to detect and protect against overvoltage during both normal and energy-saving modes, leading to potential damage and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus equipped with a voltage detector, switch, state detector, and circuitry that estimates AC voltage based on temperature or current, switching the switch to a conductive state when overvoltage is detected, thereby preventing overvoltage damage and reducing power consumption by minimizing continuous voltage detection during energy-saving mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous voltage detection is performed to ensure reliable overvoltage protection, then reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic voltage detection by switching the detection circuit on and off in cycles. The switch S1 alternates between connecting the voltage detection circuit to the AC voltage input terminal during detection periods and disconnecting it during standby periods. This periodic operation ensures that overvoltage conditions are detected when they occur while minimizing power consumption during normal operation when voltage levels are stable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic control of the detection circuit based on system state. During standby mode, the detection circuit operates periodically with lower power consumption. When the image forming apparatus enters operation mode or when overvoltage conditions are detected, the detection frequency increases or continuous monitoring is activated. This dynamic adjustment optimizes the balance between reliability and power consumption across different operational phases.
2Use of energy by moving object
If voltage detection is minimized to reduce power consumption during energy-saving mode, then power consumption is reduced, but detection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary voltage detection before the image forming apparatus fully enters standby mode. The control circuit initiates voltage detection sequences prior to mode transition, ensuring that overvoltage conditions are identified before the detection circuit is reduced to minimal operation. This preliminary action prevents damage from occurring during the transition period when detection capability might be reduced.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the control circuit continuously monitors system state and adjusts detection frequency accordingly. When the apparatus enters standby mode, reduced-period detection is implemented to save power. However, if overvoltage conditions are detected or suspected, the feedback loop increases detection frequency or activates continuous monitoring, ensuring that power savings do not compromise protection reliability.
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
Effectively protects the power supply from overvoltage while maintaining low power consumption by selectively activating voltage detection only when necessary, ensuring component safety and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage detector 27 that detects a value of the AC voltage ACIN
Implementation Method 2
a state detector 28 that detects a temperature or a current of the functional unit
Implementation Method 3
a state detector 28 that detects a temperature or a current of the functional unit
Implementation Method 4
The controller 12 estimates a value of the AC voltage ACIN based on the temperature or the current detected by the state detector 28
Implementation Method 5
The controller 12 estimates a value of the AC voltage ACIN based on the temperature or the current detected by the state detector 28
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming device, a voltage detector, a switch, a functional unit, a state detector, and circuitry. The image forming device forms an image based on an alternating current (AC) voltage input therein. The voltage detector detects a value of the AC voltage. The switch switches between a conductive state and a cutoff state of a current path of the AC voltage to the voltage detector. The functional unit generates heat or allow a current to flow in response to the AC voltage. The state detector detects a temperature or the current of the functional unit. The circuitry estimates the value of the AC voltage based on the temperature or the current detected by the state detector and 10 switches the switch from the cutoff state to the conductive state when the value of the AC voltage estimated by the circuitry indicates a sign of overvoltage.