Printer Low-Power Mode Charge IC Frequency Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Printers often consume more power than necessary in low-power modes, which undermines their energy-saving intentions.
Innovation Solution
A printer design that includes a processor to dynamically switch between different power-saving modes by adjusting the clock and switching frequencies of its components, such as the charge IC, to minimize power consumption when not printing, thereby optimizing power usage based on charging status and operational needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the charge IC is driven at a higher SW frequency to ensure reliable battery charging, then charging reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the SW frequency of the charge IC adjustable rather than fixed. The frequency is dynamically changed based on the charging state: a first SW frequency is used when the battery is being charged, and a second SW frequency is used when charging is complete. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain reliable charging during the charging process while reducing power consumption after charging completes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the SW frequency parameter of the charge IC based on charging status. The frequency parameter is changed from a first SW frequency to a second SW frequency depending on whether the battery is being charged or has finished charging. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing high frequency (reliable charging) only when necessary, and low frequency (low power consumption) when charging is complete.
2Speed
If the printer remains in a higher power mode to respond quickly to print requests, then response speed is improved, but idle power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing multiple power modes (normal mode and low-power modes) that the printer can dynamically switch between. The processor can quickly transition from a low-power mode to a normal print mode when a print request is received, ensuring fast response while minimizing idle power consumption during non-printing periods.
3Loss of energy
If the processor frequently switches between power modes to optimize power consumption, then energy saving is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using the charging state of the battery as a feedback signal to determine the appropriate power mode. The processor monitors whether the battery is being charged or has finished charging, and automatically switches between the first and second low-power modes accordingly. This feedback-based control simplifies the decision-making process and reduces control complexity while still achieving energy savings.
Data Source
AI summary
A printer includes a printing unit powered from a battery which is charged by a charge IC, and a processor. The processor sets a mode of the printer to a print mode, and sets the mode to a low-power mode in which total power consumption of the printer is lower than that in the print mode, in a state that the printing unit stops printing. In a case where the processor sets the mode to the low-power mode, the processor sets the mode to a first low-power mode, in which the charge IC is driven at a first SW frequency, when the charge IC works to charge the battery, and sets the mode to a second low-power mode, in which the charge IC is driven at a second SW frequency lower than the first SW frequency, when the charge IC stops the charge of the battery.