Load Control Device Voltage-Adaptive Resistance Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load control devices face challenges in managing power supply voltage fluctuations, leading to increased voltage drops and high electric currents when switching loads, particularly in image forming apparatuses like printers, where voltage fluctuations cause inefficiencies and potential flicker issues.
Innovation Solution
A load control device that detects power supply voltage and switches between multiple load states based on predefined domains, limiting the range of load states during high voltage conditions to minimize resistance changes and reduce peak currents, thereby controlling the load more effectively in relation to the power supply voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the load is switched to the n-th load state (lowest resistance) to maximize power utilization, then the power consumption is improved, but the electric current becomes excessively large causing voltage drops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the load resistance adjustable rather than fixed. The load control device dynamically changes the resistance value between R1 (highest) and Rn (lowest) based on real-time power supply voltage conditions. When voltage is high, the device selects higher resistance states (R1-R(n-1)) to limit current; when voltage is low, it selects lower resistance states (Rn) to maximize power utilization, thus dynamically optimizing both power consumption and voltage stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the resistance value of the load according to power supply voltage levels. The load control device monitors voltage and adjusts the resistance parameter accordingly - using higher resistance values when voltage is high to prevent excessive current, and lower resistance values when voltage is low to maintain effective power consumption, thereby resolving the contradiction between power utilization and voltage drop
2Power
If the load resistance is reduced to increase current flow for better performance, then the power delivery is improved, but the electric current becomes excessively large
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts resistance based on voltage conditions to optimize power delivery while preventing excessive current. The load control device continuously monitors power supply voltage and switches between resistance states R1 through Rn, selecting intermediate resistance values when voltage is high to deliver adequate power without excessive current, and lower resistance values when voltage is low to maintain power delivery within safe current limits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the resistance parameter adaptively to balance power delivery and current control. By adjusting resistance between R1 (highest, limiting current) and Rn (lowest, maximizing current), the system optimizes the power-current relationship according to real-time voltage conditions, ensuring effective power delivery without harmful current levels
3Speed
If the load is switched directly between extreme states (R1 to Rn) for rapid response, then the response speed is improved, but the current fluctuation increases causing flicker
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the resistance adjustment into multiple discrete stages (R1, R2, ..., Rn) rather than allowing direct transitions between extreme states. The load control device switches between adjacent resistance states in sequence, which segments the current change into smaller steps, reducing current fluctuation and flicker while maintaining adequate response speed for voltage changes
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
The solution effectively suppresses maximum electric current and voltage drop, minimizes current fluctuations, and reduces the occurrence of flicker, ensuring more appropriate load control across varying power supply voltages.
Implementation Method 1
a detection unit that detects a value relating to a power supply voltage of the load
Data Source
AI summary
A switch control unit detects a power supply voltage of a heater detected by a voltage detection unit, and switch is performed on a load state of the heater in a range from a first load state to a fourth load state when the detected power supply voltage falls into a predetermined first domain. On the other hand, the switch is performed on the load state that ranges from the first load state to the third load state when the detected power supply voltage falls into a predetermined second domain that is higher in voltage than the first domain. That is, when the power supply voltage is in the second domain that is higher in voltage than the first domain, a limitation is imposed on the switch to the fourth load state where a combined resistance value is the lowest among the first and fourth load states.