Printing Device Power Source Selection via USB PD Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to design a printing device that can efficiently handle multiple voltage inputs from an external power source without exceeding the rated voltage of its printing mechanism, which is difficult to achieve while maintaining a compact size due to the need for a voltage lowering circuit.
Innovation Solution
The printing device incorporates a controller that determines whether to use an external power source or a rechargeable battery as the power source based on the voltage level, switching between them to prevent overvoltage and eliminating the need for a voltage lowering circuit, thus enabling downsizing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a voltage lowering circuit is added to prevent overvoltage to the printing mechanism, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases and downsizing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The battery serves as an intermediary component between the external power source and the printing mechanism. When the external power source provides voltage higher than the printing mechanism's rated voltage, the battery absorbs the excess voltage through its charging process, thereby protecting the printing mechanism from overvoltage damage without requiring a voltage lowering circuit
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the battery as a temporary, consumable energy buffer that can be charged from high-voltage external sources and then used to power the printing mechanism at appropriate voltage levels. This disposable-like approach to voltage management avoids the need for complex permanent voltage regulation hardware
2Reliability
If a voltage lowering circuit is added to protect the printing mechanism, then the reliability is improved, but the downsizing of the printer becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The battery acts as a mediating energy storage device that handles the voltage mismatch between external power sources and the printing mechanism. By charging from high-voltage sources and discharging at appropriate voltages, the battery eliminates the need for bulky voltage lowering circuits, enabling printer downsizing
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the power supply parameters by selecting between different power sources (external power source or battery) based on voltage requirements. This parameter switching approach allows the printing mechanism to receive appropriate voltage without requiring physical voltage transformation hardware
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 allows the printing device to operate safely and efficiently with multiple voltage inputs, preventing overvoltage damage and enabling compact design by dynamically selecting the power source based on voltage levels, ensuring reliable printing performance.
Implementation Method 1
a rechargeable battery detachably attached to the printing device
Data Source
AI summary
According to aspects of the present disclosures, a printing device has a print head, a battery, a USB PD controller. The printing device is connected to an external power source in accordance with a connection compliant with a USB standard. The external power source has a plurality of electrical power profiles. The printing device uses one of the external power source and the battery as an electrical power supplying source of the print head. The printing device a power source voltage value with a rated voltage value of the print head, when the power source voltage value is larger than the rated voltage value, determine the battery as the electrical power supplying source, and, when the power source voltage value is equal to or less than the rated voltage value, determining the external power source as the electrical power supplying source.