Printer Power Recovery Circuit for Peak Load Smoothing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printers require a power source device capable of handling peak power consumption, which can be large and expensive, as power consumption varies significantly based on print content.
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 power when needed, and a switching unit to manage power distribution between motors, allowing stable operation within rated power limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a power source device capable of handling peak power consumption is used, then the printer can handle high power consumption during printing, but the device becomes large and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by capturing rotational force during low-power periods (sheet feeding, cutting) and storing it in the charging circuit before peak power consumption occurs during printing. This allows the power source device to be sized for average rather than peak consumption, reducing device complexity and cost while still handling peak power demands through stored energy.
2Device complexity
If a single motor is used for both sheet feeding and cutting, then device complexity is reduced, but the motor cannot simultaneously perform both functions
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamics by using a switching unit that dynamically redirects the rotational force output of the single motor to different components based on operational needs. During sheet feeding, the motor drives the sheet feeding mechanism; during cutting, the same motor drives the cutting unit. This dynamic switching enables one motor to perform multiple functions sequentially, reducing device complexity while maintaining operational capability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If power consumption varies significantly based on print content, then energy efficiency can be optimized, but the power source device must be oversized to handle peak consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes parameter changes by capturing rotational force during low-power consumption periods and storing it in the charging circuit. When high-power printing operations occur, the stored rotational force is released to supplement the power source device, effectively changing the power parameter availability. This allows the power source device to be rated for average consumption rather than peak consumption, optimizing energy efficiency while reducing device oversizing.
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
Reduces the maximum power requirement for the external power source, enabling stable operation even with PoE that does not support peak power, and reduces costs by utilizing a single motor for both power generation and cutting unit operation.
Implementation Method 1
the second motor converts the applied rotational force into electric power
Implementation Method 2
when electric power is applied, the second motor converts the applied electric power into a rotational force
Implementation Method 3
The charging circuit holds the electric power converted from a rotational force of the first motor by the second motor
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a printer includes a first motor, a printing unit, a second motor, and a charging circuit. The first motor feeds a sheet. The printing unit forms an image on the sheet. When a rotational force is applied, the second motor converts the applied rotational force into electric power, and when electric power is applied, the second motor converts the applied electric power into a rotational force. 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.