Voltage Conversion Unit with Stepped Transition Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power supplies for image-forming devices face issues with undershoot and overshoot when switching between output voltage levels, limiting their ability to accurately vary voltage values.
Innovation Solution
A power supply system comprising a first voltage generating unit, a controller, and a voltage conversion unit that generates and adjusts output voltage by using control signals to specify target voltage values, including intermediate voltage stages during transitions, thereby suppressing undershoot and overshoot.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the output voltage is switched between two values using a switching element connected to resistors in parallel or in series, then the voltage conversion is simple and fast, but undershoot or overshoot occurs during voltage transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage transition process is segmented into multiple stages: a first voltage value, an intermediate voltage value, and a second voltage value. By dividing the direct voltage switch into stepped transitions through the intermediate value, the patent eliminates undershoot and overshoot while maintaining relatively fast switching performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller performs preliminary action by determining and outputting control signals in a specific sequence: first to switch to the intermediate voltage value, then to switch to the final voltage value. This preliminary planning of the transition path prevents voltage instability before it occurs.
2Ease of operation
If only two voltage values are used corresponding to ON and OFF states, then the control is simple, but the voltage adjustment precision is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamics by making the voltage conversion ratio adjustable based on control signals. The voltage conversion unit can dynamically switch between different conversion ratios (first ratio for intermediate voltage, second ratio for final voltage), enabling precise voltage control while maintaining simple switch-based implementation.
3Loss of time
If direct voltage switching is performed without intermediate stages, then the response time is short, but voltage instability occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate voltage value acts as an intermediary between the first and second voltage values. This mediator enables smooth transition by providing a buffer state that prevents direct abrupt switching, thereby eliminating voltage instability while adding minimal time to the transition process.
Data Source
AI summary
In a power supply device, the controller outputs a control signal specifying a voltage value. The voltage conversion unit converts a first voltage to a second voltage in response to a control signal specifying a voltage value output from the controller. The voltage conversion unit converts the first voltage to a start voltage, as the second voltage, in response to a first control signal specifying a start voltage value output from the controller and further converts the first voltage to a target voltage, as the second voltage, in response to a second control signal specifying a target voltage value output from the controller. A transition period of time is intervened between generation of the start voltage and generation of the target voltage during which the controller outputs a third control signal specifying the intermediate voltage value between the start voltage value and the target voltage value.