Printer Power Latch Control for Switch-Free Startup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing apparatus configurations with momentary switches are complex and difficult to activate simply, especially in environments where foreign matter or liquid exposure is a concern, such as in restaurant businesses.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus design that includes a connector for external power supply, a switch circuit, a latch circuit, a power switch, and a controller with storage, where the latch circuit retains the switch circuit's state based on initial power supply and setting information, allowing for power management without relying on the power switch's operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a momentary switch is used as a power switch with automatic activation unit, then the power activator can be controlled, but the configuration becomes complex and difficult to activate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the automatic activation function from the momentary switch mechanism and implements it separately through a latch circuit that automatically sets the on-state upon power supply. This separation eliminates the need for complex automatic activation units while maintaining the desired automatic power-on capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch circuit automatically detects power supply and sets itself to the on-state without requiring external control signals or complex activation mechanisms. The circuit serves itself by using the power supply signal to trigger its own activation, thereby simplifying the overall configuration.
2Reliability
If a momentary switch is used for power control, then power can be switched, but foreign matter or liquid may interfere with the switch operation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical momentary switch with an electronic control system consisting of a latch circuit and controller. This substitution eliminates mechanical moving parts that are susceptible to foreign matter and liquid interference, thereby improving reliability in harsh environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch circuit acts as an intermediary between the power supply and the main circuit, eliminating the need for direct mechanical switch operation. The controller further mediates the control signals, creating a layered protection system that isolates critical components from environmental contaminants.
3Device complexity
If the latch circuit automatically switches on upon power supply, then activation is simplified, but the power switch operation detection becomes unnecessary
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors the latch circuit state and maintains it in the on-state by providing feedback signals. This feedback mechanism ensures that the system remembers the power switch operation and maintains the desired state, preventing information loss while keeping the configuration simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch circuit is designed to automatically set the on-state as a preliminary action upon detecting power supply. This preliminary activation ensures that the main circuit is ready before full operation begins, while the controller subsequently maintains this state through continuous monitoring and feedback.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus includes a connector configured to receive supply of first power from outside, a switch circuit configured to supply the first power to a regulator, a latch circuit configured to control the switch circuit, a power switch configured to hold the latch circuit in a predetermined state, a controller configured to hold the latch circuit in the predetermined state and to detect an operation of the power switch, and a storage configured to store setting information. In response to supply of the first power to the connector, the latch circuit is configured to, when supplied with the first power and when the predetermined state is a first state, switch on the switch circuit to supply the first power to the regulator. The regulator is configured to generate second power based on the supplied first power and to supply the second power to the controller and the storage. The controller is configured to, when the setting information in the storage is valid, maintain the latch circuit in the first state without performing detection of the operation of the power switch.