Printer Timer Power via EDLC Capacitor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing apparatuses face challenges in maintaining ink ejection performance due to ink drying in nozzles, leading to increased production costs with the need for a dedicated battery for a timer to measure maintenance intervals.
Innovation Solution
The printing apparatus employs an electric double-layer capacitor (EDLC) as an auxiliary power source, allowing power feed to a timer even after external power source disconnection, while minimizing cost increases by restricting power feed to essential components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a battery dedicated to the timer is provided to feed power to the timer after external power source disconnection, then the timer can continue operation to measure maintenance intervals, but the production cost of the printing apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
An electric double-layer capacitor (EDLC) is introduced as an intermediary power storage device between the external power source and the timer. The EDLC charges quickly when power is available and discharges to maintain timer operation when power is disconnected, serving as a bridge that eliminates the need for a dedicated battery while ensuring continuous timer functionality for maintenance interval measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the power storage mechanism from a chemical battery to an electric double-layer capacitor, which has different electrical parameters including faster charge/discharge rates and different voltage characteristics. This parameter change allows the timer to operate during power outages without requiring a traditional battery, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining the required duration of operation
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 ensures continuous timer operation for measuring maintenance intervals without increasing production costs, by utilizing the EDLC to provide power to the timer and prioritizing its operation over other components.
Implementation Method 1
an electric double-layer capacitor (EDLC) as an auxiliary power source, allowing power feed to a timer even after external power source disconnection
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a printing apparatus (10) configured to perform printing on a print medium by using a printing unit, the printing apparatus including: a power storage unit (12) capable of storing power fed from an external power source connected via a USB cable; a measurement unit (36) capable of measuring time based on power from the power storage unit; a control unit (28) configured to execute predetermined processing based on a measurement result of the measurement unit; and a restriction unit (26) capable of restricting power fed from the power storage unit. In a period in which power feed from the external power source is stopped, the restriction unit restricts feeding of power to units other than at least the measurement unit depending on a power storage amount of the power storage unit, and the measurement unit continues the measurement.