Multi-Motor Current Modulation for Fast Overcurrent Source Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image formation devices require time-consuming sequential operation of multiple motors to identify the cause of an overcurrent, prolonging the detection process.
Innovation Solution
An image formation device with a load application mechanism that generates fluctuation components in the current of multiple motors, allowing for simultaneous identification of the motor causing an overcurrent by distinguishing currents based on fluctuation patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If sequential operation of multiple motors is used to identify overcurrent cause, then the detection process is simple, but the detection time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by generating fluctuation components with specific frequencies in the current of each motor through periodic load application. Each motor's current is modulated with a unique periodic frequency, allowing simultaneous identification of multiple motors' status through frequency analysis of the combined current signal, thereby eliminating sequential detection time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-modulating the current of each motor with distinct fluctuation components before overcurrent detection. This preliminary modulation embeds identification information in the current signals, so when overcurrent occurs, the affected motor can be immediately identified by analyzing which modulated signal shows the overcurrent condition, without needing sequential testing.
2Loss of time
If multiple motors are operated simultaneously, then detection time is reduced, but current signals become indistinguishable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by giving each motor's current signal a unique local characteristic through frequency-specific fluctuation components. Each motor is assigned a distinct modulation frequency, creating locally differentiated signal qualities within the combined current. This allows the control unit to distinguish which specific motor is experiencing overcurrent by detecting which frequency component is affected.
3Measurement precision
If fluctuation components are generated in motor currents, then motor identification becomes possible, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical sequential switching with electrical signal processing. Instead of mechanically operating motors one by one, the system uses electrical fluctuation components and frequency analysis to identify the faulty motor. This substitution of mechanical identification methods with electrical signal analysis reduces mechanical complexity while improving identification precision.
Data Source
AI summary
An image formation device includes a plurality of motors, an overcurrent detection portion, a load application portion, and a specification portion. The plurality of motors each include an output shaft. The overcurrent detection portion detects an overcurrent with respect to a resultant current including currents flowing through the plurality of motors. The load application portion applies, while the plurality of motors are being rotated, a load to the output shaft of at least some of the plurality of motors. The load applied by the load application portion is a load for causing fluctuation components that enables the currents of the plurality of motors to be distinguished from one another to be generated in the resultant current. The specification portion specifies, when the overcurrent is detected, a motor that is a cause of the overcurrent from among the plurality of motors based on the resultant current.