Printer Power Buffering With Motor Regeneration for USB PD
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printers require a power source device capable of handling peak power consumption, which can be large and expensive, as power consumption varies significantly based on print content.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a second motor that converts rotational force into electric power and vice versa, along with a charging circuit to store and supply power, and a switching unit to manage power distribution, allowing the printer to operate within rated power limits using USB PD.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a power source device is designed to handle peak power consumption, then the printer can operate during high-power printing tasks, but the power source device becomes large and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by storing energy in advance during low-power periods. The power storage device accumulates electric power when the printer consumes less power, so that this stored energy can be utilized during high-power consumption periods, avoiding the need for a large peak-power-capable power source device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temporal distribution of power consumption parameters. By controlling when different components operate and using the power storage device to shift power usage in time, the system transforms variable peak power demands into a more stable average power draw that matches the USB PD rating.
2Ease of manufacture
If power consumption is reduced to match USB PD rated power, then the power source device can be smaller and cheaper, but the printer may not have enough power during high-power printing tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by storing energy in advance during low-power periods. The power storage device accumulates electric power when the printer consumes less power, so that this stored energy can be utilized during high-power consumption periods, ensuring sufficient power availability without requiring a large external power source.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by ensuring uninterrupted power supply to all components. The power storage device bridges power gaps, maintaining continuous operation of the printing unit, sheet feeding mechanism, and cutting unit without interruption, even when instantaneous power demands exceed the USB PD rating.
3Power
If the second motor is used for power generation during sheet feeding, then the maximum power requirement is reduced, but the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The second motor is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a drive motor during high-power operations (such as cutting) and as a power generation device during low-power operations (such as sheet feeding). This universal design allows the motor to contribute to power generation while maintaining its primary driving function, thereby reducing overall power requirements without adding separate dedicated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by having the second motor generate its own operating power during sheet feeding operations. The motor acts as a generator during these periods, producing electric power that is stored and later used to power the motor during cutting operations, making the system partially self-sufficient and reducing external power demands.
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
Reduces the maximum power requirement for the external power source, enabling stable operation and cost-effective power management by utilizing the second motor for both power generation and cutting unit operation.
Implementation Method 1
When a rotational force is applied, the second motor converts the applied rotational force into electric power, and when electric power is applied, the second motor converts the applied electric power into a rotational force
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a printer includes a first motor, a printing unit, a second motor, a charging circuit, and a connection unit. The first motor feeds a sheet. The printing unit forms an image on the sheet. When a rotational force is applied, the second motor converts the applied rotational force into electric power, and when electric power is applied, the second motor converts the applied electric power into a rotational force. The charging circuit holds the electric power converted from a rotational force of the first motor by the second motor, and supplies the held electric power when the printing unit forms an image. The connection unit receives electric power supplied via USB power delivery.