Dual-Section Printing Control for Variable USB PD Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
The stability of printing apparatus operations is compromised when using a non-specific USB Power Delivery (PD) adapter that is not included with the device, leading to potential instability due to unsuitable power supply specifications.
Innovation Solution
The printing apparatus includes a negotiation process to determine the rated power capabilities of a USB PD adapter, allowing it to adjust printing operations based on the available power, either through collective or division print modes to ensure stable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a USB PD adapter not included with the printing apparatus is used, then the user can utilize existing power supplies and reduce attachment/shipment burden, but the stability of printing apparatus operations may decrease due to non-specific power supply specifications
Solution Approach 1:
The printing apparatus performs power negotiation with the USB PD adapter before printing operations to determine the available power capacity in advance. This preliminary action allows the system to know the power constraints before attempting high-power operations, preventing instability caused by insufficient power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The printing apparatus dynamically adjusts its printing operations based on the negotiated power capacity. When high power is available, both printing sections can operate simultaneously; when power is limited, the system switches to sequential operation or reduces power consumption, ensuring stable operation across different power supply conditions.
2Productivity
If both printing sections operate simultaneously, then printing productivity increases, but power consumption increases requiring a higher rated power value from the USB PD adapter
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects between simultaneous and sequential printing section operation based on the negotiated power capacity. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maximize productivity when power is abundant while ensuring stable operation when power is limited, resolving the contradiction between speed and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating parameters of the printing sections (simultaneous vs. sequential operation) are changed based on the power capacity parameter obtained through negotiation. This parameter-based control enables the system to adapt its productivity and power consumption characteristics to match the available power supply capabilities.
3Reliability
If the printing apparatus includes a USB PD adapter, then power supply stability is ensured, but the device complexity and shipment burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The printing apparatus is designed to work with universal USB PD adapters that users likely already possess. By implementing USB PD compatibility and negotiation functionality, the apparatus can operate stably with various external adapters without requiring a proprietary adapter to be included, reducing complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The printing apparatus performs self-configuration by negotiating power parameters with the connected USB PD adapter. This self-service capability allows the system to adapt to different power supplies without requiring pre-configuration or included adapters, simplifying the overall system while ensuring stable operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus operates by receiving power from a USB PD adapter outputting a DC voltage. The printing apparatus includes a first printing section configured to perform printing on a medium, a second printing section configured to perform printing on the medium, and a negotiation information obtainer configured to obtain negotiation information between the printing apparatus and the USB PD adapter. The negotiation information includes a rated power value. When the rated power value is less than the first predetermined value, the second printing section is configured to not perform printing on the medium during a time period in which the first printing section performs printing on the medium, and the first printing section is configured to not perform printing on the medium during a time period in which the second printing section performs printing on the medium.