Printer Peripheral Power Management via Dynamic Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printers lack efficient power management, often requiring large and expensive power sources due to the simultaneous operation of printing and peripheral devices, which limits their cost-effectiveness and usability in space-constrained environments.

Innovation Solution

A printing device with a communication section, a connector for peripheral devices, and a control section that allows for the simultaneous operation of the printing section and the first peripheral device during printing, while enabling the operation of the second peripheral device only when the printing section is not in use, utilizing a power source with a minimum necessary power capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the printing section and peripheral devices operate simultaneously, then the functionality and productivity are improved, but the power source capacity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimultaneous operation capabilityVSAvoidpower source capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power management by detecting the printing state and dynamically switching between two operational modes: (1) simultaneous operation mode where the printing section and first peripheral device operate together during printing, and (2) sequential operation mode where the second peripheral device operates only when printing is not performed. This dynamic switching allows the system to achieve high productivity during printing while consuming less power during non-printing periods, thereby enabling the use of a smaller, more cost-effective power source.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If a large power source is used to support simultaneous operation, then the productivity is improved, but the device size and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational capabilityVSAvoidpower source size

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The control section dynamically adjusts system operation based on printing state detection, switching between two operational modes that optimize both productivity and power consumption. During printing, the first peripheral device operates simultaneously to maintain productivity; during non-printing periods, the second peripheral device operates to utilize available power capacity. This dynamic operation enables a smaller power source to support the same overall operational capability that would otherwise require a large power source for continuous simultaneous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Power

If the printing section operates alone without simultaneous peripheral device operation, then the power source size is reduced, but the productivity and functionality decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower source capacityVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments peripheral devices into two groups: first peripheral devices that can operate simultaneously with the printing section during printing, and second peripheral devices that operate when printing is not performed. This segmentation allows the system to achieve simultaneous operation and high productivity during printing periods while utilizing power source capacity efficiently during non-printing periods, thereby maintaining operational efficiency without requiring excessive power source capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple peripheral devices are supported for simultaneous operation, then the versatility is improved, but the power source capacity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperipheral device compatibilityVSAvoidpower source capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments peripheral device support into two distinct modes: first peripheral devices that can be coupled and operated simultaneously with printing, and second peripheral devices that operate when printing is not performed. This segmentation enables the system to support multiple types of peripheral devices with different power requirements, achieving high versatility while managing power source capacity efficiently by distributing operational loads across different time periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector is designed to universally support both first and second peripheral devices, allowing the same hardware interface to accommodate different device types. The control section provides multi-functional operation by detecting the printing state and automatically switching between operating modes, enabling a single power source to support multiple peripheral device configurations without requiring separate power systems for each device type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12299337B2Printing device communicates with first and second external devices, transmits first drive signal to the first external device while cutting is performed and transmits second drive signal to the second external device while cutting is not performed

Publication Date: 2025.05.13 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A printing device includes a communication section configured to communicate with an external device, a connector configured to be coupled to one of a first peripheral device and a second peripheral device, a printing section that prints on a recording paper, and a control section that controls the printing section, and the control section transmits, when the communication section receives a first command, a drive instruction to the first peripheral device via the connector to drive the first peripheral device even while the printing section is printing, and transmits, when the communication section receives a second command, a drive signal to the second peripheral device via the connector to drive the second peripheral device while the printing section is not printing.