Soft Switch Power Supply for Image Formers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face high power consumption in standby mode due to detection circuitry, exceeding the 0.1 W limit set by energy reduction regulations, and current solutions like mechanical switches are costly and inconvenient for users.
Innovation Solution
A power supply device incorporating an AC/DC converter, DC/DC converter, and a soft switch unit with a resistor and transistor configuration that maintains an enable signal for the DC/DC converter even when the soft switch is turned off, allowing for low power consumption in standby mode without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a detection circuit is continuously operated to enable soft switch functionality, then user convenience is improved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The detection circuit operates periodically rather than continuously. The control unit activates the detection circuit only when needed (when AC power is detected and during transitions between standby and operation modes), turning it off during continuous standby periods. This periodic operation maintains user convenience while dramatically reducing average power consumption to meet the 0.1W limit.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a mechanical switch is used to eliminate power consumption in standby mode, then power consumption is reduced, but device cost and operational convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical switch with an electronically controlled soft switch system. Instead of using a physical mechanical switch that requires manual user intervention, the system uses a control unit that electronically manages power distribution based on detected conditions (AC power presence, button presses). This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical components while maintaining automatic operation, reducing both cost and complexity.
3Productivity
If AC/DC converter is continuously operated to maintain power supply readiness, then operational readiness is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The AC/DC converter operates dynamically rather than continuously. The control unit monitors AC power input and system state, activating the AC/DC converter only when AC power is detected and when transitioning from standby to operation mode. During standby, the converter is turned off, allowing the system to achieve 0.1W power consumption while maintaining the ability to quickly resume operation when needed.
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
The solution reduces power consumption in the image forming apparatus to below 0.1 W in standby mode, achieving low power usage while maintaining user convenience and reducing costs associated with mechanical switches.
Implementation Method 1
an AC/DC converter configured to convert an input AC power into a first DC power having a predetermined size
Implementation Method 2
a DC/DC converter configured to convert the first DC power into a second DC power according to an enable signal
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply device is provided. The power supply device includes an AC/DC converter configured to convert an input AC power into a first DC power having a predetermined size, and to output the first DC power, a DC/DC converter configured to convert the first DC power into a second DC power according to an enable signal, and a switch including a soft switch connected to the first DC power at one end, and configured to, in response to the soft switch being turned on, voltage-distribute the first DC power, and to provide the voltage-distributed first DC power to the DC/DC converter as an enable signal.