Printer Power Adapter with Energy Storage for Peak Load Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printer power systems are designed specifically for each printer and fail to efficiently manage peak power demands, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to the need for customized designs and compliance with energy regulations.
Innovation Solution
A universal power architecture that includes a single stage power factor correction charger, energy storage device, and DC-to-DC converters, which converts AC voltage to DC voltage and provides power to the printer during peak load conditions, allowing a single power adapter to be used across various printers with different power needs, enhancing energy savings and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional printer power systems are designed specifically for each printer based on power needs, then each printer can meet its specific power requirements, but design complexity and production costs increase due to the need for customized designs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal power system architecture where a single power adapter can serve multiple printer models with different power requirements. The system uses a common power adapter design that interfaces with various printers through standardized connections, eliminating the need for printer-specific power adapter designs while maintaining compatibility across different printer types and power needs.
2Reliability
If conventional printer power systems are designed for each specific printer, then power needs can be met, but production costs increase due to customization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal power adapter design that can be manufactured in large volumes for multiple printer models, significantly reducing per-unit production costs compared to customized power adapters. The standardized design allows for economies of scale in manufacturing while maintaining reliable power delivery to different printer types through adaptable connection interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The power system utilizes adjustable power parameters within the universal adapter to accommodate different printer power requirements. The adapter can dynamically adjust its output characteristics to match the specific power needs of connected printers, ensuring reliable operation across various models without requiring custom hardware designs for each printer type.
3Productivity
If high pulses of current are used for driving the motor and printhead, then the printer can perform high-speed printing operations, but energy efficiency decreases during active mode operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an energy storage device that is pre-charged during low-power periods to store electrical energy. When high-current pulses are needed for motor and printhead operation, the stored energy is discharged to supplement the power supply, reducing the instantaneous power demand and improving overall energy efficiency during high-speed printing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The power system combines multiple power sources (mains power and energy storage device) into a composite power architecture. This hybrid approach allows the system to draw from the energy storage device during peak demand periods and from mains power during steady-state operation, optimizing the balance between printing speed and energy consumption.
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 solution enables efficient power management across different printers, reducing design and production costs while improving both sleep mode and active mode power efficiency, and allowing a single power adapter to meet the varied power requirements of multiple printers.
Implementation Method 1
An energy storage device is provided in the printer to supply power to the printer electronics during peak load conditions
Implementation Method 2
Power adapter provides improved energy savings and power performance to provide both improved sleep mode efficiency and active mode efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A printer includes an energy storage device and a charger for charging the energy storage device and for providing a first DC voltage. The printer includes a first DC-to-DC voltage converter for converting the first DC voltage to a second DC voltage. The printer includes first printer electronics powered by the second DC voltage.