Power Estimation via Single Current Detection and Smoothing Capacitor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power estimating systems for image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately estimating current consumption without increasing cost or size, as they require separate current detection units for each functional unit, leading to inefficiencies and higher costs.
Innovation Solution
A power estimating apparatus that uses a single current detection unit and a low-voltage power-supply device with a smoothing capacitor to estimate the current supplied to both the fixing-device control circuit and the low-voltage power-supply device by analyzing current waveforms during specific charge and discharge periods, allowing for accurate power consumption calculation without additional detection units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate current detection units are used for each functional unit, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple current detection functions into a single detection unit that measures total current from the power supply. By detecting the current through the common power supply line before it branches to different functional units, the system achieves accurate power consumption measurement without requiring separate detection units for each functional unit, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The single current detection unit serves multiple functional units simultaneously by measuring the total current drawn from the power supply. This universal detection approach allows the system to infer power consumption of individual functional units through calculation based on their respective operation states, eliminating the need for dedicated detection units for each component.
2Measurement precision
If multiple current detection units are installed, then measurement precision is improved, but apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple detection functions into a single detection unit located at the power supply input. This single unit measures the total current, and the control unit calculates individual functional unit power consumption based on operational data, thereby reducing the physical space required while maintaining accurate power consumption estimation capability.
3Measurement precision
If separate detection units are used for each functional unit, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple current detection functions into a single detection unit that measures total power supply current. The control unit then calculates individual functional unit power consumption based on their operation states, significantly reducing component quantity and manufacturing cost while maintaining accurate power consumption measurement capability for each functional unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The single detection unit and control unit combination serves multiple functional units simultaneously, providing a cost-effective solution that eliminates the need for expensive separate detection units for each component while still enabling accurate power consumption monitoring and estimation for individual functional units.
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 enables accurate estimation of current consumption for both the fixing-device control circuit and the low-voltage power-supply device, reducing costs and apparatus size while maintaining precise power consumption calculations.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one converter is connected to a branch point between the alternating-current power supply and the functional unit and includes a smoothing capacitor so as to convert an alternating current from the alternating-current power supply into a direct current
Data Source
AI summary
A power estimating apparatus includes a functional unit, at least one converter, a detection unit, and an estimating unit. The functional unit uses an alternating-current power supply. The at least one converter is connected to a branch point between the alternating-current power supply and the functional unit and includes a smoothing capacitor so as to convert an alternating current from the alternating-current power supply into a direct current. The detection unit obtains a total amount of currents supplied to the functional unit and the at least one converter. The estimating unit uses the total amount to estimate an amount of the current supplied to the functional unit. The total amount is obtained by the detection unit in a charge and discharge period during which the smoothing capacitor performs a charge and discharge operation.