Printer Power Circuit Using Motor Energy Recovery for Peak Load Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power source circuits in image forming devices require high maximum power capacity to handle varying power consumption during printing, leading to increased size and cost due to the need for large and expensive power source circuits capable of coping with peak power demands.
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 this power when needed, and a switching unit to optimize power usage, allowing the printer to reduce the maximum required power capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a large power source circuit is used to handle peak power demands during printing, then the maximum power capacity is sufficient, but the circuit size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power source circuit performs preliminary action by accumulating energy in the capacitor during periods of low power demand (such as during sheet feeding operations). This stored energy is then released during peak power demand periods (during image formation), allowing the circuit to handle peak loads without requiring a permanently large power source capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the electrical parameters dynamically by using a capacitor to store and release energy. The capacitor charges during low-power operations and discharges during high-power operations, effectively modulating the power delivery to match demand patterns and reduce the required maximum power capacity of the power source circuit.
2Power
If a large power source circuit is used to handle peak power demands during printing, then the maximum power capacity is sufficient, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power source circuit performs preliminary action by accumulating energy in the capacitor during periods of low power demand (such as during sheet feeding operations). This stored energy is then released during peak power demand periods (during image formation), allowing the circuit to handle peak loads without requiring a permanently large power source capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the electrical parameters dynamically by using a capacitor to store and release energy. The capacitor charges during low-power operations and discharges during high-power operations, effectively modulating the power delivery to match demand patterns and reduce the required maximum power capacity of the power source circuit.
3Power
If the second motor converts rotational force to electric power during sheet feeding, then the maximum power requirement is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second motor serves multiple functions: it acts as a driving motor during image formation to rotate the developing roller, and as a power-generating device during sheet feeding to convert the rotational force from the first motor into electric power stored in the capacitor. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by eliminating the need for separate power generation and motor components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by using the power generated from the first motor's rotational force during sheet feeding to supply power during image formation. The capacitor stores this self-generated power, making the system partially self-sufficient and reducing the load on the external power source circuit.
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
This configuration reduces the maximum power requirement of the power source circuit, preventing an increase in circuit scale and cost, while enabling efficient power distribution and utilization across different operational loads.
Implementation Method 1
a second motor that converts rotational force into electric power and vice versa
Implementation Method 2
a charging circuit that holds electric power converted from rotational force by the second motor
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an information processing terminal includes a checkout device, a printer, and at least one of a scanner, a card reader, and a display unit. The checkout device includes a power source circuit that outputs a first voltage. The printer includes a first motor, a printing unit, a second motor, a charging circuit, and a connection unit. The first motor feeds a printing sheet. When a rotational force is applied, the second motor converts the applied rotational force into electric power. 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 the first voltage. The scanner, the card reader, and the display unit are operated by upon receiving the first voltage.