Ink Jet Record Apparatus Power Mode Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink jet record apparatuses face issues with maintenance operations during power saving mode, where unintended power consumption occurs due to triggers like user interaction, and users cannot customize whether non-maintenance operations are permitted, leading to inefficient power management and potential printing issues upon resuming normal operation.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a second mode setting portion that allows users to set the apparatus to either a permission mode, where maintenance and specific operations are allowed, or an inhibition mode, where only maintenance is permitted during power saving mode, enabling customizable operation and reducing power wastage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the ink jet record apparatus enters power saving mode to reduce power consumption, then power saving is achieved, but maintenance operations cannot be executed and the apparatus cannot return to normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management by introducing multiple power modes (power saving mode and temporary return mode) that can be switched based on operational needs. The control unit dynamically transitions between modes: entering power saving mode after printing stops, and temporarily returning to normal operation mode when maintenance is needed, then returning to power saving mode after maintenance completes. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt its power state rather than remaining static.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by proactively transitioning to temporary return mode before maintenance operations are critically needed. The control unit monitors printing activity and preemptively switches modes to ensure maintenance can be executed without interruption. This preliminary mode switching prevents the situation where power saving mode would permanently block maintenance operations, thus preserving printing functionality while maintaining energy efficiency.
2Reliability
If the apparatus returns to usual power mode frequently to execute maintenance operation, then maintenance can be performed, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management by introducing multiple power modes (power saving mode and temporary return mode) that can be switched based on operational needs. The control unit dynamically transitions between modes: entering power saving mode after printing stops, and temporarily returning to normal operation mode when maintenance is needed, then returning to power saving mode after maintenance completes. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt its power state rather than remaining static.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic maintenance operations by automatically transitioning to temporary return mode at scheduled intervals or when maintenance conditions are met, executing maintenance tasks, and then returning to power saving mode. This periodic cycling between power saving and temporary return modes ensures nozzle functionality is maintained while minimizing the duration and frequency of high-power states, thus balancing reliability with energy efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If the apparatus monitors various interrupts to return from power saving mode, then responsiveness is improved, but unintended power mode transitions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by having the control unit continuously monitor interrupt conditions and system state, then make intelligent decisions about mode transitions. Rather than immediately transitioning on any interrupt, the control unit evaluates whether the interrupt represents a genuine need to return to temporary return mode (such as maintenance timing or user initiation) versus routine operations that can wait. This feedback mechanism prevents unintended transitions while maintaining appropriate responsiveness to critical events.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic power management by introducing multiple power modes (power saving mode and temporary return mode) that can be switched based on operational needs. The control unit dynamically transitions between modes: entering power saving mode after printing stops, and temporarily returning to normal operation mode when maintenance is needed, then returning to power saving mode after maintenance completes. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt its power state rather than remaining static.
Data Source
AI summary
An ink jet record apparatus has a record head that ejects ink from a nozzle to form an image on a record medium, a maintenance portion that executes maintenance operation to prevent drying of the nozzle at regular time intervals when image formation is not executed, a first mode setting portion that sets the ink jet record apparatus on a usual power mode in which usual power is consumed or a power saving mode in which power supply to other parts than those required for returning to the usual power mode is reduced, and a second mode setting portion that sets the ink jet record apparatus on a permission mode in which the maintenance operation and predetermined operation other than the maintenance operation are permitted or an inhibition mode in which the predetermined operation is inhibited although the maintenance operation is permitted during the power saving mode.