Printer Power Management via Printhead Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Printing devices face challenges in supplying the required power for printing operations while also powering connected external devices, leading to potential disruptions in printing processes due to power limitations from AC adapters.
Innovation Solution
A printing device with a power supply unit, interface, and controller that enables power conservation mode printing by segmenting printhead resistors into blocks and adjusting based on the state-of-charge of connected devices, allowing for efficient power distribution and charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the printing device supplies power to a connected external device using power from an AC adapter, then the external device can be powered, but the power required for printing operation may not be sufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The printhead is divided into multiple blocks, and resistors within each block are energized sequentially rather than simultaneously. This segmentation of the heating elements allows the printing device to reduce peak power consumption while maintaining printing functionality, enabling sufficient power supply to both the printing device and connected external devices
Solution Approach 2:
The resistors in each block are energized in a periodic, sequential manner rather than continuously. By controlling the timing and duration of energization for each block, the system achieves the necessary printing output while significantly reducing overall power consumption, allowing external devices to be powered simultaneously
2Productivity
If the printing device operates at full power for printing, then printing speed and quality are maintained, but power consumption exceeds available power when charging external devices
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the printhead into multiple blocks with sequential energization reduces power consumption while maintaining printing functionality. The segmented approach allows the system to achieve necessary printing output with reduced peak power demands, balancing productivity and power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by controlling the timing, duration, and sequence of resistor energization. By adjusting these parameters, the printing device optimizes the balance between printing speed/quality and power consumption, enabling operation within available power constraints while charging external devices
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 effectively suppresses power consumption during printing operations, ensures sufficient power for both the printing device and connected external devices, and prevents overcharging, thereby maintaining uninterrupted printing and device operation.
Implementation Method 1
a printhead with multiple resistors... prints by energizing the resistors in the segmented blocks
Data Source
AI summary
Power required for a printing operation can be supplied while supplying power to a connected external device. A printer 1 connects to a smart device 2, and has: a power circuit 14; a USB interface 15 capable of supplying power to the smart device while communicating by wire with the smart device 2; a print unit 16 that prints; and a controller 11 that controls the print unit 16 to print in a power conservation mode when information instructing printing by the print unit 16 is received by the interface 15 from the smart device 2 while supplying power from the power circuit 14 to the smart device 2.