Printer Power Allocation for Print Quality Under Limited Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Printers often face power allocation challenges due to insufficient overall power supply, which can impact the performance of various functions such as print quality and duration, especially with the increasing number of peripheral functions and mechanical constraints.
Innovation Solution
A power management system within the printer that dynamically allocates and reallocates power based on current and anticipated requirements by using a processor to prioritize essential functions, adjust power delivery to idle or non-essential mechanisms, and estimate power needs through machine learning attributes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the overall power supply capacity is increased to meet cumulative power requirements of all functions, then power availability for all functions is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power allocation where the power supply capacity is not fixed but adjusted in real-time based on actual operational needs. The processor continuously monitors power requirements of active functions and dynamically reallocates power capacity, allowing the system to meet peak demands without requiring a permanently oversized power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary power allocation by predicting future power requirements based on anticipated print jobs and function usage patterns. This allows the power supply to be pre-configured for upcoming demands, ensuring power availability without requiring excessive capacity for rare peak events.
2Adaptability or versatility
If power is allocated to all functions simultaneously, then all functions can operate, but print quality and performance deteriorate due to insufficient power per function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply into dedicated allocations for different functions (print head, motors, electronics, etc.). Each function receives a specific power portion optimized for its requirements, ensuring that critical functions like the print head receive sufficient power for high-quality output while less critical functions receive appropriate but reduced power.
Solution Approach 2:
Different power quality levels are provided to different functions based on their specific needs. Critical functions requiring high precision (like the print head) receive stable, high-quality power, while less critical functions can tolerate variable power levels, optimizing overall print quality without wasting power on functions that don't require it.
3Manufacturing precision
If power is reduced to non-essential functions, then power availability for essential functions is improved, but device versatility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the operational status and power requirements of all functions, providing feedback to the power allocation algorithm. When non-essential functions are reduced, the system detects this and can dynamically restore power to those functions when conditions allow, maintaining versatility while ensuring essential functions always receive adequate power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes power allocation parameters dynamically based on operational context. Non-essential functions can have their power levels adjusted down during critical print operations, then restored when the print job is complete or when power availability increases, allowing the system to maintain both print quality and functional versatility through parameter modulation rather than fixed reductions.
Data Source
AI summary
A power management technique for a printer includes detecting a change in a state of operation of a printing device. The amount of power available to operate all functions of the printing device is calculated. Next, power is delivered to specified functions of the printing device based on the calculated amount of power available, wherein the specified functions are a subset of all functions of the printing device. Then, it is determined whether the specified functions operate correctly.