Printer Actuator Kinetic Energy Recovery System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Printers face inefficiencies in energy usage, particularly during deceleration of movable functional elements, where kinetic energy is often wasted as heat, and require external power for charging energy-storing devices, leading to increased resource consumption.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where the kinetic energy of movable functional elements, such as carriages or rollers, is harnessed through actuators with counter electromotive force to charge energy-storing devices like batteries or capacitors, allowing for energy recuperation and reduced external power consumption, especially in standby or sleep modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If kinetic energy of movable functional elements is dissipated as heat during deceleration, then the system is simple to control, but energy is wasted and external power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful waste heat from decelerating movable functional elements into useful electrical energy. The actuator functions as a generator during deceleration, converting kinetic energy into electrical energy that charges the energy-storing device, thereby transforming energy loss into a beneficial resource.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent recovers kinetic energy that would otherwise be discarded during deceleration. By connecting the actuator to the energy-storing device, the system captures and stores the energy from moving parts (such as carriages or rollers) during their deceleration phases for later reuse.
2Use of energy by moving object
If external power is used to charge energy-storing devices, then the device can operate in standby mode, but external power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the printing system to charge its own energy-storing device using energy generated from its own movable functional elements during operation. The system serves itself by converting kinetic energy from carriages or rollers into electrical energy that recharges the battery or capacitor, reducing dependence on external power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the previously wasted kinetic energy during deceleration into useful electrical energy for charging. This converted energy benefits the standby operation capability by providing power without increasing external power consumption.
3Productivity
If actuators are used to move movable functional elements, then printing operations can be performed, but energy is consumed during acceleration and deceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recovers energy during the deceleration phase of actuator operation. When movable functional elements slow down, the actuator generates electrical energy from the kinetic energy, which is then stored and used to offset the energy consumed during subsequent acceleration phases, thereby reducing overall actuator energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a continuous energy cycle where energy generated during deceleration is immediately stored and reused for acceleration. This continuous recovery and reuse of energy maintains productivity while reducing the net energy input required from external sources.
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 approach enables printers to operate independently with stored energy, reducing external power usage to near zero during sleep modes and efficiently reuse otherwise wasted kinetic energy, enhancing energy efficiency and aligning with energy-saving recommendations like ENERGY STAR.
Implementation Method 1
actuators with counter electromotive force to charge energy-storing devices
Data Source
AI summary
A printer is described comprising a movable functional element, a chargeable energy-storing device and a charger to charge the chargeable energy-storing device using energy discharged from the movable functional element.