Printer Power Control for Smart Device and Cash Drawer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing devices face challenges in supplying sufficient power to a first external device without affecting the control of a second external device, particularly when the power requirements exceed the capacity of the AC adapter, leading to insufficient power for devices like smart devices and cash drawers.
Innovation Solution
A printing device with a power supply unit and controller that stops and starts power supply to the first external device based on commands received from either the first or second external device, ensuring power is supplied to the first device without interfering with the control of the second device, such as a cash drawer or POS terminal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If power is supplied to the first external device continuously, then the first external device receives sufficient power for charging, but the second external device may not receive sufficient power for control operations
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system dynamically adjusts power distribution between the first and second external devices based on real-time operational needs. The controller monitors command reception from the control device and automatically modulates power supply to the first external device, ensuring the second external device receives sufficient power during critical control operations while maintaining power to the first device during normal operations.
2Reliability
If power is stopped to the first external device during control operations, then the second external device receives sufficient power, but the first external device experiences power interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by preemptively adjusting power supply to the first external device upon detecting control commands for the second external device. The controller monitors communication signals and proactively modulates power levels before power deficiency occurs, preventing control failures of the second external device while minimizing power interruption to the first device.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply controller implements a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors control commands received from the control device regarding the second external device. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically adjusts power supply to the first external device in real-time, ensuring that power distribution adapts to the instantaneous operational requirements of both external devices.
3Power
If the AC adapter capacity is increased to supply power to both devices simultaneously, then both devices receive sufficient power, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system employs self-service by automatically managing power distribution between external devices based on their instantaneous needs. The controller autonomously monitors command reception, determines power requirements, and adjusts power allocation without external intervention, eliminating the need for a high-capacity AC adapter while maintaining reliable operation of both external devices.
Data Source
AI summary
Power can be supplied to a smart device without affecting control of a cash drawer. A printer 1 capable of connecting to a smart device 2 and a cash drawer 3 has a wireless communicator 16 for communicating with the smart device 2, a drawer kick connector 18 that connects to the drawer 3, a power circuit 14, and a controller 11. When a command instructing control of the drawer 3 is received from the smart device 2 by the wireless communicator 16, the controller 11 stops the supply of power from the power circuit 14 to the smart device 2; and when control of the drawer 3 ends, the controller 11 starts supplying power to the smart device 2.