Printer Connection Checking via Voltage Drop Detection

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional connection checking systems for electronic devices, such as printers, require dedicated detection terminals and special wiring, leading to increased manufacturing costs due to the need for additional components and complex circuitry.

Innovation Solution

A connection checking system that uses a power supply cable and a signal cable connected via a resistance in the unit, allowing the control section to determine the connected state by measuring the voltage applied to a signal terminal, eliminating the need for dedicated detection terminals and special wiring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dedicated detection terminals and special wiring are provided for connection checking, then the connected state can be detected reliably, but the manufacturing cost increases and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection state detection reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the existing power supply cable and signal cable to serve dual purposes: both power transmission and connection state detection. The signal cable, originally used only for control signals, is now also used to detect connection status through voltage measurement, eliminating the need for separate detection wiring and terminals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the connection checking function with the existing power supply and signal transmission functions. By combining the detection function into the signal cable that already exists in the system, the patent reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining reliable detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If dedicated detection terminals and special wiring are provided for connection checking, then the connected state can be detected reliably, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection state detection reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the existing power supply cable and signal cable to serve dual purposes: both power transmission and connection state detection. The signal cable, originally used only for control signals, is now also used to detect connection status through voltage measurement, eliminating the need for separate detection wiring and terminals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its own existing components (signal cable and power supply circuit) to perform the detection function. The signal cable serves both its original purpose of transmitting control signals and the additional purpose of enabling connection state detection through voltage measurement at the signal terminal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If special wiring and terminals are used for connection checking, then detection accuracy is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection state detection accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the existing power supply cable and signal cable to serve dual purposes: both power transmission and connection state detection. The signal cable, originally used only for control signals, is now also used to detect connection status through voltage measurement, eliminating the need for separate detection wiring and terminals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables simple and cost-effective checking of the connected state between an electronic device and a unit by utilizing existing power supply and signal cables, reducing manufacturing costs and complexity.

Implementation Method 1

the control section makes a determination on the connected state of the connecting member based on a voltage applied to the first signal terminal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage measurement: Ohm's Law

Data Source

PatentUS7391334B2Connection checking system, printer device, method of checking connected state, connection checking program, and recording medium storing connection checking program

Publication Date: 2008.06.24 SHARP KK

AI summary

A connection checking system of the present invention is arranged so as to apply a power supply voltage which is dropped by the resistance to a terminal when the control substrate and the unit are connected. Then, the control section determines that the unit is connected to the control substrate when the dropped voltage is applied to the terminal. On the other hand, when a dropped voltage is not applied to the terminal, the control section determines that the unit is not connected to the control substrate. The connection checking system of the present invention can be realized by using a conventional power supply cable, a signal cable and a terminal, and thus the connection checking system of the present invention can be manufactured at low costs.