Power Source Switch Voltage Control for MFP Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information processing apparatuses, such as MFPs, face challenges in efficiently managing power consumption, particularly in maintaining a minimum load current when the power source switch is turned on, leading to unnecessary power usage.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a first converter to convert AC power to DC power of a first voltage, a power source switch operated by the user, and a second converter to convert the DC power to a lower voltage, with a power source controlling unit that switches the power supply between the converters based on the apparatus's power state, allowing for reduced power consumption by supplying DC power of a lower voltage to the power source switch when it is on.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power is supplied to the power source switch when it is turned on to maintain minimum load current, then the switching operation is guaranteed, but power consumption increases unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the power supply configuration changeable based on the switch state. When the power source switch is off, power is supplied through the first converter to maintain minimum load current for reliable switching. When the switch is on, the system dynamically switches to the second converter with lower voltage output, reducing power consumption while maintaining switching reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter of the power supply based on the switch state. The first converter outputs DC power at a first voltage level when the switch is off, while the second converter outputs DC power at a second voltage level when the switch is on. This parameter change allows the system to optimize between reliability and power consumption.
2Device complexity
If a single power supply configuration is used for the power source switch, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot optimize power consumption in different states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply system into two distinct converters: a first converter for when the power source switch is off, and a second converter for when the switch is on. This segmentation allows each converter to be optimized for its specific operating condition, with the second converter using lower voltage to reduce power consumption during the on state.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply system achieves multi-functionality by having two converters that can operate in different modes. The first converter handles the off state with higher voltage for reliability, while the second converter handles the on state with lower voltage for energy efficiency. This universal power supply architecture adapts to different operational requirements.
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 reduces power consumption in the power source switch and load resistor by switching to a lower voltage DC power, thereby minimizing energy usage during both active and sleep modes.
Implementation Method 1
a first converter configured to convert AC power to DC power of a first voltage
Implementation Method 2
a second converter configured to, after the power source switch is switched on, convert the DC power of the first voltage converted by the first converter to DC power of a second voltage lower than the first voltage
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to switch a voltage to be supplied to a power source switch in accordance with a state of a power source of an apparatus and restrain power consumption of the power source switch.