Sheet Laminator Startup Shifting for Peak Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming systems face challenges in efficiently performing lamination processing on two-ply sheets while managing power consumption peaks, leading to potential sheet separation failures and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
An image forming system with a sheet laminator that includes a heater for lamination processing and a circuitry system to manage power supply in a lamination print mode and a shift mode, stabilizing power supply at different peak values during separate start-up periods to optimize energy use and prevent sheet separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the image forming apparatus and sheet laminator are operated simultaneously, then lamination processing can be performed, but power consumption exceeds the upper-limit value
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by starting the image forming apparatus first and allowing it to stabilize its power consumption before starting the sheet laminator. This sequential startup approach prevents simultaneous power peaks by preparing components in advance in a predetermined order, ensuring that the total power consumption remains within the upper-limit value while still enabling lamination processing.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the power supply is stabilized during start-up period, then power consumption can be managed, but processing time increases due to sequential startup
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts the startup sequence and timing of different components based on their power consumption characteristics. By implementing flexible, adaptive control of the startup process rather than fixed timing, the system optimizes both power management and processing efficiency, reducing unnecessary waiting time while maintaining power consumption within limits.
3Productivity
If the sheet laminator is placed downstream from the image forming apparatus, then lamination can be performed on printed sheets, but the system requires larger space and higher peak power
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic action by implementing cyclic startup sequences where the image forming apparatus and sheet laminator operate in alternating phases rather than simultaneously. The control unit coordinates periodic operation cycles that allow each device to stabilize before the next phase begins, reducing peak power demands while maintaining continuous lamination processing capability.
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
Enhances print productivity by reducing sheet separation failures and optimizing power consumption, allowing for efficient lamination processing on two-ply sheets without increasing system size or cost.
Implementation Method 1
The sheet laminator includes a heater to perform a lamination processing on a two-ply sheet
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming system includes an image forming apparatus, a sheet laminator, and circuitry. The sheet laminator performs a lamination processing on a two-ply sheet with a sheet, which is conveyed from the image forming apparatus and inserted between two sheets of the two-ply sheet. The circuitry performs a lamination print mode and a shift mode. In the lamination print mode, the sheet laminator performs the lamination processing on the sheet. In the shift mode, a power supply to the image forming apparatus starts and the power supply ends when the power supply reaches a first peak value and is stabilized during a first start-up period. Also, in the shift mode, the power supply to the sheet laminator starts and the power supply ends when the power supply reaches a second peak value and is stabilized during a second start-up period shifted from the first start-up period.