Battery-Powered Printer Drive Parameter Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery-powered printers fail to effectively utilize the output capability of high-output batteries, as they are set with control parameters based on a single type of battery, limiting the potential printing speed and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A battery-powered printer with a processor that identifies the type of battery based on its maximum current output and adjusts drive parameters, such as printing speed, heat generating elements, and transport speed, to optimize the printing mechanism's operation according to the battery type.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If control parameters are set according to a single battery type, then the printer operates reliably with that battery type, but the output capability of high output batteries cannot be utilized effectively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery type adaptabilityVSAvoidprinting speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The control parameters are made dynamic and adjustable based on the detected battery type. The processor automatically selects appropriate printing parameters (such as printing speed, heat generating element activation, and transport speed) according to the battery's maximum current output capability, allowing the system to adapt its behavior to match the power available.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the control parameters based on the battery type detected. By identifying the maximum current output capability of the battery, the system adjusts printing parameters to optimize performance - using higher printing speeds and more heat generating elements when a high output battery is detected, and conserving power when a standard battery is used.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the number of heat generating elements is increased to improve printing speed, then printing efficiency increases, but power consumption increases beyond what standard batteries can provide

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinting speedVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The number of simultaneously activated heat generating elements is adjusted based on the battery type detected. When a high output battery is identified, the system can activate more heat generating elements at once to achieve faster printing. When a standard battery is detected, the system reduces the number of simultaneous elements to stay within the battery's power capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses partial activation of heat generating elements based on available power. Instead of always using all elements or a fixed number, the system activates only the necessary number of elements required for the desired printing speed given the battery's current output capability, avoiding excessive power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Productivity

If printing speed is increased to improve productivity, then output increases, but the battery is depleted faster reducing operational duration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinting speedVSAvoidbattery operational duration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The printing speed is dynamically adjusted based on the battery type and remaining capacity. The system monitors the battery's maximum current output and automatically optimizes the printing speed to balance productivity with battery conservation, ensuring optimal operational duration for the given power source.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor battery status and adjust printing parameters accordingly. By continuously assessing the battery's state and comparing it against the required power for different printing speeds, the system can make real-time adjustments to maintain optimal performance while extending battery life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 allows the printer to effectively utilize the output capacity of the battery, increasing printing speed and efficiency by setting appropriate drive parameters based on the identified battery type, ensuring optimal performance with different battery types.

Implementation Method 1

a battery receptacle in which a battery is detachably mounted; a printing mechanism driven by electric power output from the battery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 2

the printing mechanism includes a thermal head in which a plurality of heat generating elements for generating heat are arranged, and is configured to perform the printing on the recording medium by generating heat through the heat generating elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3312015B1Battery-powered printer and method for driving battery-powered printer
Publication Date: 2021.04.28 TOSHIBA TEC KK
  • EP3312015B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3312015B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3312015B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A battery-powered printer includes a battery receptacle in which a battery is detachably mounted, a printing mechanism driven by electric power output from the battery during printing on a recording medium, and processor configured to identify a type of the battery mounted in the battery receptacle, and change a drive parameter under which the printing mechanism is driven, depending on the identified type of battery.