Method and system for dynamic output from a power supply

Abstract

This disclosure discloses a method and system for dynamic output from a power source. A power supply system includes a power device having an adjustable output power limit. The power device includes a rectangular body with a height greater than its width. The power supply system also includes an orientation sensor and a controller. The controller receives an orientation signal from the orientation sensor, adjusts the output power limit to a first power level in response to an orientation signal instructing the rectangular body to orient its width substantially parallel to the direction of gravity, and adjusts the output power limit to a second power level greater than the first power level in response to an orientation signal instructing the rectangular body to orient its height substantially parallel to the direction of gravity. Additionally, the controller outputs power from the power device at a level less than or equal to the output power limit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to methods and systems for dynamic output from a power source. Background Technology

[0002] Modern computers are becoming increasingly powerful and capable of performing difficult and intensive processing. As computing power increases, their power requirements can vary significantly depending on the processing a user is performing. For example, operating a single application (e.g., a web browser or email) requires very little energy. In contrast, a much larger amount of energy must be supplied to the computer to support computationally intensive processing (e.g., multitasking with multiple applications, gaming, video editing and rendering, training or deploying artificial intelligence models, etc.). However, conventional power supplies have fixed output power limits, and in response to drawing power beyond these limits, such power supplies either interrupt their output or risk damaging their loads and themselves (e.g., due to overheating or short circuits). Even when power drawing does not exceed the output power limit, excessive heat can still be generated when power supplies operate at high output power levels. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This summary is provided to introduce a series of concepts further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to help limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0004] Typically, in one aspect, the embodiment relates to a power supply system. The power supply system includes a power supply device with an adjustable output power limit. The power supply device includes a rectangular body with a height greater than its width. The power supply system also includes an orientation sensor and a controller. The orientation sensor is disposed within the rectangular body and determines the orientation of the rectangular body in the direction of gravity. The controller receives an orientation signal from the orientation sensor, and in response to an orientation signal indicating that the rectangular body is oriented substantially parallel to the direction of gravity in terms of width, adjusts the output power limit to a first power level; and in response to an orientation signal indicating that the rectangular body is oriented substantially parallel to the direction of gravity in terms of height, adjusts the output power limit to a second power level greater than the first power level. Additionally, the controller outputs power from the power supply device at a level less than or equal to the output power limit.

[0005] Typically, in one aspect, an implementation relates to a method. The method includes receiving an orientation signal from an orientation sensor disposed within a rectangular body of a power supply device and determining the orientation of the rectangular body in the direction of gravity. The power supply device has an adjustable output power limit, and the rectangular body has a height greater than its width. The method further includes: adjusting the output power limit to a first power level in response to an orientation signal indicating that the rectangular body is oriented substantially parallel to the direction of gravity in its width; and adjusting the output power limit to a second power level greater than the first power level in response to the orientation signal indicating that the rectangular body is oriented substantially parallel to the direction of gravity in its height. Additionally, the method includes outputting power from the power supply device at a level less than or equal to the output power limit.

[0006] One or more implementations of the power system dynamically adjust their output power limits to provide an increased amount of power without the risk of failure, and also improve portability and user experience due to their smaller, lighter, and more cost-effective configuration compared to conventional power systems. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1A and Figure 1B A power supply system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is described.

[0008] Figure 2A and Figure 2B Thermal diagrams of a power supply device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are depicted.

[0009] Figure 3A and Figure 3B A power supply system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is described.

[0010] Figure 4 A method for operating a power supply system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is described. Detailed Implementation

[0011] Specific embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. For consistency, similar elements in the various drawings are indicated by similar reference numerals.

[0012] In the following detailed description of embodiments of this disclosure, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description.

[0013] Throughout the application, ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third) may be used as adjectives for elements (e.g., any noun in this application). Unless explicitly stated otherwise, such as by using terms like “before,” “after,” “single,” and other such terms, the use of ordinal numbers is neither intended to imply or create a specific ordering of elements, nor to limit any element to being a single element. Rather, the use of ordinal numbers is for distinguishing between elements. By way of example, a first element is distinct from a second element, and a first element may contain more than one element and may be in the order of elements after (or before) the second element.

[0014] Conventional power systems can provide output power at varying levels depending on the load's draw, but must always operate at a level less than or equal to a fixed maximum power limit (e.g., a fixed wattage). When the load requires more power to continue operating, an additional power system is typically necessary. For example, a laptop computer (PC) can use a power supply unit (or power adapter) that provides up to 65 W. When performing intensive processing (e.g., video editing and rendering, application multitasking, etc.), a PC may require more power than the power supply unit can provide. When a load draws more power than the power supply unit can provide, there is a risk that the load or the power supply unit (or both) may be damaged due to overheating and short circuits. Therefore, most PCs and other electronic devices are designed to draw only as much power as their standard power supply unit can safely provide. In response to loads drawing more power than they can safely provide, some modern power supplies utilize overcurrent protection, along with other protective measures, to shut down their power output. Even when operating within output power limits, conventional power supplies can generate excessive heat when operating at high output power.

[0015] Regardless of whether conventional power supplies utilize safety mechanisms, when power demands exceed the power supply's capacity or the conventional power supply overheats, users must provide a separate, more powerful power supply to continue intensive PC operation. In contrast, embodiments of this disclosure provide a power system capable of dynamically adjusting its output power limits to provide an increased amount of power as needed by the user, while maintaining safe operation (e.g., without overheating). This power system includes a power supply unit with a lightweight and slim design, made from cost-effective components to achieve portability, space efficiency, and affordability.

[0016] Figure 1A and Figure 1BA power supply system (100) according to one or more embodiments is depicted. The power supply system (100) includes a power supply device (101) with adjustable output power limits. The power supply device (101) includes a rectangular body having a length (103), a width (105) extending perpendicular to the length (103), and a height (107) extending perpendicular to the length (103) and width (105). The dimensions of the power supply device (101) can be described by a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system. As depicted, the length (103) extends along the y-axis (162), the width (105) extends along the z-axis (160), and the height (107) extends along the x-axis (164). These three axes (160, 162, 164) are defined relative to the reference frame of the power supply device (101). Therefore, the depiction of the three axes (160, 162, 164) in each figure indicates the orientation of the power supply device (101) in space. The direction of gravity is determined by... (170) indicates, and points in the same direction in each figure. For simplicity, it should be understood that an object oriented "vertically" is substantially parallel to the direction of gravity. (170) To orient. Similarly, the "upward" direction is basically the same as the direction of gravity. (170) On the contrary.

[0017] exist Figure 1A In the middle, the rectangular body of the power supply device (101) is substantially parallel to the direction of gravity with its width (105) and z-axis (160). (170) is used for orientation. In other words, the width (105) is from Figure 1A The power supply unit (101) rests on a hypothetical surface (not shown) that extends upwards. Figure 1B In the middle, the rectangular body of the power supply device (101) is based on its position Figure 1A The position within rotates. More specifically, in Figure 1B In the middle, the rectangular body of the power supply device (101) is substantially parallel to the direction of gravity with its height (107) and x-axis (164). (170) is used for orientation. In other words, the altitude (107) is from Figure 1B The power supply device (101) is placed on a hypothetical surface (not shown) that extends upward.

[0018] The height (107) of the rectangular body of the power supply unit (101) is greater than its width (105). Therefore, the surface area spanning the length (103) and height (107) is greater than the surface area spanning the width (105) and height (107). Depending on the orientation of the power supply unit (101), varying amounts of surface areas of the rectangular body of the power supply unit (101) are exposed to ambient air because the surface on which the power supply unit (101) rests (e.g., a table or desk) covers and insulates one of its sides. The rates of heat dissipation and heat transfer between two sources (e.g., the power supply unit (101) and ambient air) at different temperatures are generally proportional to the surface area they contact. Therefore, heat dissipation from the power supply unit (101) depends at least in part on the orientation of the power supply unit (101) in the direction of gravity. (170) on or relative to the direction of gravity The orientation of (170). In other words, the heat dissipation from the power supply unit (101) depends at least in part on which face of the power supply unit (101) contacts the surface. When the rectangular body of the power supply unit (101) is substantially parallel to the direction of gravity with a width (105). (170) When oriented (where one of its two largest faces is in contact with the surface), the power supply device (101) is substantially parallel to the direction of gravity in length (103) or height (107). (170) Compared to the orientation, the rectangular body of the power supply unit (101) has a smaller surface area exposed to ambient air. Therefore, the rate of heat dissipation and heat transfer from the power supply unit (101) to the ambient air is greater in the latter orientation than in the former orientation.

[0019] An orientation sensor (120) disposed within the rectangular body of the power supply unit (101) is used to detect and continuously monitor the orientation of the rectangular body of the power supply unit. In addition to orientation, the orientation sensor (120) determines the position and movement of the power supply unit (101). The orientation sensor (120) can be an accelerometer, for example, a capacitive accelerometer that detects changes in capacitance between microstructures within the sensor due to changes in orientation or movement of the microstructures within the sensor, or a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) accelerometer that combines mechanical components (e.g., a housing, a test mass having a suspension system that holds a test mass in the proper position within the housing) with electrical components (e.g., a capacitive sensor or a piezoresistive / piezoelectric sensor). The orientation sensor (120) can operate within a temperature range of less than or equal to 105 degrees Celsius.

[0020] The power supply system (100) includes a controller (122) that manages and regulates the input and output voltages (“power management”) in response to varying load conditions. Although only one controller (122) is shown in the figures, those skilled in the art will understand that the controller (122) may include a variety of components. For example, the controller (122) may include a microcontroller that includes a processing unit, memory, and input / output ports. The controller (122) may also include a digital signal controller and / or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), such as a power delivery integrated circuit (PD IC), for combining power management tasks. Typically, the controller (122) is part of the power supply device (101), such as Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown in the diagram, the controller (122) provides various protection features for the power supply unit (101), including overcurrent, overvoltage, overtemperature, overpower, and short-circuit protection. For example, to provide overtemperature protection, the controller (122) includes a temperature sensor (180). In one or more embodiments, the power supply unit (101) may include a temperature sensor (180) separate from the controller (122). The temperature sensor (180) measures the temperature of the power supply unit (101), and the controller (122) may use the measured temperature to regulate the output power (e.g., reduce the output power in response to a high temperature).

[0021] One of the functions of the controller (122) is to set or define the output power limit of the power supply device (101). Conventional power supplies are constructed with a fixed output power limit that cannot be changed, and the output power must be kept below the fixed output power limit at any given time. In addition, conventional power supplies are not designed with any particular orientation in mind. In contrast, according to one or more embodiments, the power supply device (101) of this disclosure has an adjustable output power limit that is related to its orientation in space. The controller (122) is communicatively coupled to an orientation sensor (120). The orientation sensor (120) continuously monitors or measures the orientation of the rectangular body of the power supply device (101) and sends a signal to the controller (122) indicating the orientation of the rectangular body of the power supply device (101). In response to the indication that the rectangular body of the power supply device (101) is substantially parallel to the direction of gravity with a width (105), the controller provides a signal indicating the orientation of the rectangular body of the power supply device (101). (170) Upon receiving a directional orientation signal, the controller (122) adjusts the output power limit of the power supply unit (101) to a first power level. In response to the indication that the rectangular body of the power supply unit (101) is substantially parallel to the direction of gravity at a height (107),... (170) An orientation signal is received, and the controller (122) adjusts the output power limit of the power supply device (101) to a second power level greater than the first power level.

[0022] according to Figure 1A The orientation of the power supply unit (101) is such that the output power limit is set to a first power level. The power supply unit (101) has been rotated to... Figure 1B After the orientation of the power supply device (101) depicted is determined, the output power limit is set to a second power level. It should be understood that the power supply device (101) does not necessarily begin in any particular orientation. However, when the power supply device (101) is placed in one of the aforementioned orientations, the output power limit is set or adjusted accordingly. Therefore, the controller (122) can be configured to automatically adjust the output power limit from the power supply device (101) in response to changes in the orientation signal. During operation, the controller (122) adjusts the output power from the power supply device (101) to a level less than or equal to the output power limit.

[0023] The first power level and the second power level can be configured according to the load. In one or more embodiments, the first power level is 180 W and the second power level is 240 W. However, those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to these specific power ranges, and the output power limit can be configured to different values ​​depending on the application.

[0024] As described above, conventional power supplies operate with a fixed output power limit. When power supplies operate at their maximum output power (i.e., output power limit), a significant amount of heat is generated due to AC / DC conversion, switching losses, voltage drop, and internal resistance. As the load draws increasing amounts of energy from the power supply, the load or the power supply (or both) may become damaged due to overheating and short circuits. Therefore, the output power limit is typically selected to prevent the power supply from overheating. In some cases, the output power limit is set so that the power supply will not physically overheat even when operating at maximum output power for extended periods (e.g., a specific threshold for output power can be determined through laboratory testing). Alternatively, the power supply may regulate its output power based on a measured temperature. In any case, the output power limit of the power supply may be limited at least in part by the heat dissipation characteristics of the power supply.

[0025] As described above, embodiments of this disclosure provide a power supply device (101) that exhibits significantly different heat dissipation characteristics depending on its orientation in space. To reiterate, in Figure 1A In the configuration depicted, the width (105) of the rectangular body of the power supply device (101) is substantially parallel to the direction of gravity. (170) Orientation, and Figure 1B The configuration depicted in the middle (where the height (107) is substantially parallel to the direction of gravity) (170) Compared to the orientation, the heat dissipation efficiency of the power supply unit (101) is lower. This is due to the difference in the orientation of the rectangular body of the power supply unit (101) and the surface area of ​​the rectangular body of the power supply unit (101) exposed to ambient air as a result of its contact with the surface on which it is placed.

[0026] Figure 2A and Figure 2B A thermal map of a power supply device (101) according to one or more embodiments is depicted. The thermal map depicts the temperature (200) as a function of the location near the power supply device (101). More specifically, Figure 2A and Figure 2B A simulation of the power supply device (101) according to the example configuration is depicted. Therefore, it should be understood that the following refers to... Figure 2A and Figure 2B The precise values ​​of various characteristics of the power supply device (101) and its environment described should not be considered limiting, but are provided for illustrative purposes.

[0027] The temperature value at each location on the heat map is indicated by a color bar (202). Figure 2A and Figure 2B In both cases, the ambient temperature (206) is 35°C. The simulated power supply unit (101) has a length of 128 mm (103), a width of 23.7 mm (105), and a height of 66 mm (107). Therefore, the total volume of the power supply unit (101) is 200 cubic centimeters, representing a compact and slim design. Figure 2A In the middle, the orientation of the power supply device (101) is similar to Figure 1A The orientation is depicted in the diagram, but from a viewpoint directly parallel to the x-axis (164), the x-axis (164) is the direction of extension of the height (107). Therefore, Figure 2A The medium width (105) is basically parallel to the direction of gravity. (170) To orient. In Figure 2B In the middle, the orientation of the power supply device (101) is similar to Figure 1B The orientation is depicted in the diagram, but from a viewpoint directly parallel to the z-axis (160), the z-axis (160) is the direction of extension of the width (105). Therefore, Figure 2B The mid-height (107) is basically parallel to the direction of gravity. (170) for orientation. The output power limit of the power supply device (101) is set to... Figure 2A The first power level in the configuration described in the text and Figure 2B The second power level in the configuration depicted.

[0028] Figure 2A and Figure 2BBoth describe a power supply unit (101) operating at 240 W output power. Therefore, in Figure 2A and Figure 2B In this configuration, the first power level is at least 240 W, while the second power level is greater than 240 W. To output 240 W of power, the power supply unit (101) consumes more than 240 W due to various sources of energy loss. For example, some energy is lost as heat. Figure 2A and Figure 2B Of both, due to the heat released from the power supply unit (101), various locations near the power supply unit (101) have temperatures (204, 214) higher than the ambient temperature (206). The amount of energy lost due to heat is called power loss, and a larger power loss value corresponds to more heat generation. The efficiency of the power supply unit (101) is defined as the amount of power output relative to the total power consumed. For both user safety and the lifespan of electrical components, it is important that the rectangular body of the power supply unit (101) does not exceed a predetermined temperature threshold. The precise value of the temperature threshold may depend on the material of the rectangular body, the material of the internal electrical components, and the energy efficiency target. This temperature threshold can be defined relative to the average temperature of the rectangular body of the power supply unit (101) or other aggregate statistics such as the median temperature. In some cases, it may be preferred that the heat of the power supply unit is uniformly distributed. Therefore, the temperature threshold can be defined relative to the temperature variation (e.g., standard deviation) at a predetermined number of locations on the rectangular body of the power supply unit (101). The temperature threshold can also be defined as the temperature variation relative to a reference temperature (e.g., ambient temperature (206)). Figure 2A and Figure 2B In the example considered, the temperature threshold is defined as the average change of 55°C at both ends of the rectangular body of the power supply when the ambient temperature (206) is 35°C.

[0029] As mentioned above, with (such as) Figure 2A The power supply device (101) depicted herein is substantially parallel to the direction of gravity in width (105). (170) Compared to orientation, when Figure 2B The power supply device (101) depicted is substantially parallel to the direction of gravity at a height (107). (170) When oriented, it dissipates heat more effectively. Therefore, compared with Figure 2A Compared to the configuration described in [the document], although in Figure 2B The depicted configuration generates a greater amount of heat (power loss), but the rectangular body of the power supply unit (101) can be kept at a lower temperature. Under the simulation conditions of the example provided herein, Figure 2A The maximum power loss of the configuration (while remaining below the stated temperature threshold) is 13.2 W, while Figure 2B The maximum power loss of the configuration (while remaining below the stated temperature threshold) is 15.9 W. In fact, simulations show that when outputting 240 W of power, at... Figure 2B In the configuration, the rectangular body of the power supply unit (101) experienced an average temperature increase of 49.6°C, while... Figure 2A In the depicted configuration, the rectangular body of the power supply unit (101) experiences an average temperature increase of 53.5°C. Therefore, considering the stated temperature threshold of an average change of 55°C when the ambient temperature (206) is 35°C, Figure 2B The configuration provides significantly greater margin and thus offers reliability due to its superior heat dissipation.

[0030] Return to Figure 1A and Figure 1B Implementations of the power system (100) disclosed herein may include a power supply device (101) and a computer (110) electrically coupled to the power supply device (101). The power supply device (101) provides power to the computer (110) via electrical coupling (e.g., via a cable having a USB-C or other standard connection), such as... Figure 1A and Figure 1B The computer (110) as described herein is intended to include any computing device, such as a server, desktop computer, laptop computer, smartphone, personal data assistant (PDA), tablet computing device, one or more processors within such devices, or any other suitable processing device (including physical or virtual instances of computing devices (or both)). The computer (110) may include one or more auxiliary devices, for example, for receiving input and processing or displaying output. The auxiliary device may include a keypad, keyboard, touchscreen, or other input device capable of accepting user information (e.g., a joystick). The auxiliary device may also include a computer screen or other output device that conveys information associated with the operation of the computer system, including digital data, visual or audio information (or a combination of information), or a graphical user interface.

[0031] The computer (110) includes one or more computer processors (112) and data storage devices or memories (114), such as one or more non-persistent storage devices (e.g., volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), cache memory) and persistent storage devices (e.g., hard disks, optical drives such as optical disc (CD) drives or digital versatile disc (DVD) drives, flash memory, etc.). The processor (112) may be part or all of an integrated circuit for processing instructions stored on the memory (114). For example, the processor (112) may be or include one or more cores or microcores. The computer (110) may also include a communication interface, which may include an integrated circuit for connecting to a network (e.g., a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, a mobile network, or any other type of network) and / or connecting to other devices.

[0032] The memory (114) of the computer (110) includes instructions stored thereon that, when executed, cause the processor (112) to perform various steps. More specifically, the instructions cause the processor (112) to measure the power requirements of the computer (110), which is the amount of power required to keep the computer (110) running. The power requirements can be quantified as the current power requirements at the time of measurement (i.e., instantaneous power draw), or as power requirements at a future time based on recorded power usage analysis. Alternatively or additionally, the power requirements can be quantified based on a user request. For example, a user may attempt to initialize processing, prompting the computer (110) to measure the power requirements of the current computer processing and the requested processing. The power requirements of the computer (110) can vary depending on the use of the computer (110). When performing computationally intensive processing, the computer (110) consumes more power. If the power requirements of the computer (110) exceed the amount of power supplied to it, the computer (110) will stop operating. In some implementations, the computer (110) also includes a battery that provides auxiliary power to the computer (110) and prevents the computer from immediately shutting down when the power demand exceeds the power supplied. However, the battery will eventually run out of power even when the power demand exceeds the amount of power supplied.

[0033] The instruction causes the processor (112) of the computer (110) to detect the current output power limit of the power supply unit (101). The power supply unit (101) can transmit this information from the controller (122) to the computer (110) via an electrical coupling (180), and the power supply unit (101) and the computer (110) are connected via the electrical coupling (180). For example, the controller (122) may include a power delivery integrated circuit (PD IC) that transmits information, including the output power limit, to the computer (110) via the I2C protocol. After detecting the output power limit of the power supply unit (101), the instruction causes the processor (112) to calculate whether the power demand of the computer (110) is greater than or less than the output power limit of the power supply unit (101). This calculation determines whether the computer receives sufficient power to maintain its current processing, or in some cases to perform additional processing. In response to this calculation, the instruction causes the processor (112) to provide or send a notification (150) to the user to change the orientation of the rectangular body of the power supply unit (101) to adjust its output power limit. However, the notification may include additional or alternative information as described below.

[0034] The information content of the notification (150) depends on the current orientation of the rectangular body of the power supply unit (101), the values ​​of the first power level and the second power level, and the power requirements of the computer (110). For example, if the rectangular body of the power supply unit (101) is as follows: Figure 1A If the orientation is as described in the diagram (and therefore the output power limit is set to a first power level), and the power demand of the computer (110) exceeds the first power level, then a notification (150) requests the user to change the orientation of the power supply device to... Figure 1B The orientation described herein increases the output power limit from a first power level to a second power level. However, if the power demand is lower than the first level, then no change may be necessary. Nevertheless, in one or more embodiments, the notification (150) may still request the user to change the orientation of the rectangular body of the power supply device (101) for other reasons, such as to improve battery charging or to apply software updates or other processing in the background (i.e., without active user intervention).

[0035] If the rectangular body of the power supply device (101) is like Figure 1B If the orientation is as described in the diagram (and therefore the output power limit is set to the second power level), and the power demand of the computer (110) is less than the second power level, then the notification (150) may request the user to change the orientation of the power supply device to the second power level. Figure 1AThe orientation described herein reduces the output power limit from the second power level to the first power level. The power supply unit (101) is configured to regulate the output power at a rate less than or equal to the output power limit. Since the power demand of the computer (110) in this example is below the second power level, it may not be necessary to change the orientation of the power supply unit (101). Therefore, a notification (150) may inform the user that changing the orientation of the rectangular body of the power supply unit (101) is safe but not necessary. Alternatively, a notification (150) may not be sent when it is not necessary to change the output power limit. If the power demand of the computer (110) is greater than the second power level, then the notification (150) may inform the user that the computer may stop operating normally or that the computer's battery will soon run out.

[0036] The memory (114) of the computer (110) may include additional instructions stored thereon that, when executed, cause the processor (112) to perform additional steps. For example, the instructions may cause the processor to obtain or receive the temperature of the power supply unit (101) as measured by a temperature sensor (180). The processor may then calculate whether the temperature is greater than or less than a predetermined temperature threshold, wherein the predetermined temperature threshold is determined based on safe operation of the power supply unit (101). For example, in one or more embodiments, the predetermined temperature threshold may be 100 degrees Celsius. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that other predetermined temperature thresholds may be used depending on the composition or structure of the various components of the power supply unit (101) and its internal layout.

[0037] In response to the temperature exceeding a predetermined temperature threshold, the computer (110) can notify the user to change the orientation of the rectangular body of the power supply unit (101). Such a scenario could correspond to situations like... Figure 1A and Figure 2A The width (105) depicted is substantially parallel to the direction of gravity. (170) The power supply unit (101) is operated in a directional manner, wherein the power supply unit (101) does not dissipate heat as effectively. If the temperature of the power supply unit (101) exceeds a predetermined temperature threshold, a notification (150) can be provided to the user to rotate the power supply unit (101) so that, Figure 1B and Figure 2B The height (107) depicted is essentially parallel to the direction of gravity. (170) Orientation, which allows the power supply unit (101) to dissipate heat more effectively, thereby preventing overheating.

[0038] Figure 3A and Figure 3B A power supply system (100) according to one or more embodiments is depicted. Figure 3AIn the rectangular body of the power supply device (101), a base (300) is included. The base (300) is arranged along one or both of the planes spanning between the length (103) and the width (105). Furthermore, the base (300) has a base width (305) greater than the width (105) of the body of the rectangular power supply device (101). Therefore, the base (300) is substantially parallel to the direction of gravity at its height (107). (170) The rectangular body of the power supply device (101) is oriented upwards.

[0039] Figure 3A A cooling module (310) is also depicted. This cooling module (310) is configured to be attached to the power supply unit (101). When the cooling module (310) is attached to the power supply unit (101), the output power limit of the power supply unit (101) is adjusted to a third power level greater than the second power level. The cooling module (310) acts as a heat exchanger and may include a fan to increase the heat dissipation efficiency of the power supply unit (101). However, to emphasize that the cooling module (310) is not required when operating the power supply unit (101) at the first and second power levels, the cooling module (310) is depicted with dashed lines.

[0040] Including cooling module (310) (e.g.) Figure 3A The power supply unit (101) of the cooling module (described herein) can provide additional functionality when electrically coupled to a computer (110). For example, consider the following: Figure 3A The directional power supply device (101) is as depicted, wherein the height (107) is substantially parallel to the direction of gravity. (170), and the output power limit is set to a second power level. The processor (112) of the computer (110) measures the power demand of the computer (110) and calculates whether the power demand is greater than the output power limit (in this case, the second power level). If the power demand of the computer (110) is greater than the second power level, the computer (110) may notify the user (150) to attach the cooling module (310), instead of notifying the user that the computer may stop operating normally or the battery may run out soon (150). After attaching the cooling module (310), the output power limit is adjusted to a third power level. In response to the temperature of the power supply unit (101) being greater than a predetermined temperature threshold, the user may also be notified to attach the cooling module (310) to prevent overheating.

[0041] exist Figure 3B In the rectangular body of the power supply unit (101), there is an adjustable support member (320). Similar to the base (300), the adjustable support member (320) is configured to be substantially parallel to the direction of gravity at a height. The rectangular body supporting the power supply device (101) is oriented (170). Note that in Figure 3B In the middle, the height (107) is not completely parallel to the direction of gravity. (170), and the three axes (160, 162, 164) are related to them in Figure 3A The orientation in the middle is slightly rotated. Nevertheless, the height (107) is relative to the direction of gravity. The basic alignment (170) still ensures that most of the surface area of ​​the rectangular main power supply unit (101) is exposed to ambient air. Therefore, the width (105) is substantially parallel to the direction of gravity. Compared to the configuration of (170), according to Figure 3B The implementation of this disclosure with the specified configuration can still operate with greater heat dissipation (and therefore higher power levels).

[0042] Figure 4 A method according to one or more implementations is described. Figure 4 The steps of the method can be performed using a controller (122) of a power supply unit (101) that is part of a power supply system (100). The steps depicted within the dashed box can be performed using a computer (110) that is part of a power supply system (100).

[0043] In step 400, an orientation signal is received from an orientation sensor (120), which is disposed within the rectangular body of the power supply device (101) and determines the orientation of the rectangular body in the direction of gravity. Orientation at (170). The rectangular body of the power supply device (101) has a length (103), a width (105) extending perpendicular to the length (103), and a height (107) extending perpendicular to the length (103) and the width (105). The height (107) is greater than the width (105), thus providing the body of the power supply device (101) with a rectangular shape. The orientation signal describes the rectangular body of the power supply device (101) relative to the direction of gravity. The orientation of (170). Therefore, the orientation signal effectively describes which side or face the power supply device (101) is placed on.

[0044] In step 402, in response to the indication power supply device (101), the rectangular body of the device is substantially parallel to the direction of gravity with a width (105). (170) An orientation signal is used to adjust the output power limit of the power supply device (101) to a first power level. In this orientation, one of the two largest faces of the power supply device (101) contacts the surface on which the power supply device (101) rests, and the amount of exposed surface area is significantly less than the total surface area of ​​the power supply device (101). In step 404, in response to an instruction that the rectangular body of the power supply device (101) is substantially parallel to the direction of gravity at a height (107), the power supply device (101) is... (170) An orientation signal is used to adjust the output power limit of the power supply unit (101) to a second power level greater than the first power level. In this orientation, both of the largest surfaces of the power supply unit (101) are exposed to ambient air, and the amount of exposed surface area is more similar to the total surface area of ​​the power supply unit (101). The larger amount of exposed surface area results in greater heat dissipation, thereby making it safer to operate the power supply unit (101) at higher power output levels. In step 406, power is output from the power supply unit at a level less than or equal to the output power limit.

[0045] Steps 408 to 416 can be performed by a computer (110) electrically coupled to the power supply unit (101), and these steps can be stored in memory (114) as instructions to be executed by the processor (112) of the computer (110). At step 408, the power requirement of the computer (110) is measured. This power requirement varies depending on the activity of the computer (110) and may include the power required to support current computer processing as well as additional (e.g., requested) computer processing. At step 410, the output power limit of the power supply unit (101) is detected. This information can be transmitted from the controller (122) to the computer via a standard protocol (e.g., I2C). At step 412, a calculation is performed to determine whether the power requirement of the computer (110) is greater than or less than the output power limit of the power supply unit (101). At step 414, in response to the calculation, the user of the computer (110) is notified to change the orientation of the rectangular body of the power supply unit (101). Various examples of notifications corresponding to different use cases have been provided above. In one or more embodiments, the computer (110) may receive the temperature of the power supply device (101) measured by the temperature sensor (180), calculate whether the temperature is greater than or less than a predetermined temperature threshold, and notify the user to change the orientation of the rectangular body of the power supply device (101) in response to the temperature being greater than the predetermined temperature threshold.

[0046] In step 416, the orientation of the rectangular body of the power supply device (101) is changed, thereby adjusting the output power limit of the power supply device (101). Then, power is output from the power supply device (101) at a level less than or equal to the output power limit.

[0047] Although steps 408 to 416 are described as being performed by the computer (110), these steps can also be performed by the power supply unit (101) itself. In such an implementation, a notification can be sent from the power supply unit (101) to the computer (110). Additionally, when the power supply unit (101) is in use, it can record its own temperature via a temperature sensor (180). In some implementations, the power supply unit (101) can calculate whether the temperature is greater than or less than a predetermined temperature threshold, and in response to the temperature being greater than the predetermined temperature threshold, notify the user to change the orientation of the rectangular body of the power supply unit (101).

[0048] Figure 4 The method can be repeated (e.g., in a loop) to continuously provide the user with guidance on operating the power supply device. Therefore, changing the orientation of the rectangular body of the power supply device (101) at step 416 can immediately follow step 400, in which an orientation signal is received.

[0049] Embodiments of this disclosure offer one or more advantages. The power supply systems disclosed herein allow users to freely operate their electronic devices, such as computers, at a wide range of energy levels (but using a single, multi-functional power supply unit). This is made possible by power supply units that have significantly different heat dissipation characteristics depending on their orientation in space; by changing the orientation of the power supply unit, heat dissipation efficiency increases, allowing the power supply unit to operate safely at higher power output when its temperature rises above a predetermined temperature threshold, or to continue operating at the same power output. Orientation sensors enable the power supply unit to change its output power level with minimal user interaction simply by changing the orientation of the rectangular body of the power supply unit. This feature is further supported by power demand monitoring via a computer, which can use notifications to guide the user when to change the orientation of the power supply unit. Additionally, embodiments of this disclosure provide safety features to prevent the power supply unit from overheating by monitoring its temperature and providing various options for improving heat dissipation from the power supply unit, along with notifications indicating when these options are needed.

[0050] Overall, the unique design eliminates the need for an additional power supply unit and provides greater freedom of use for the user device. Furthermore, the internal design of the power supply unit disclosed herein can be constructed with affordable components. For example, by utilizing a large exposed surface area, the primary circuitry of the power supply unit can be built on a "conventional" diode (monolithic) bridge while still maintaining high heat dissipation. While more complex components, such as active MOSFET bridges, can be used to achieve high energy efficiency, they are typically significantly more expensive and offer only a slightly improved energy efficiency.

[0051] Although only a few exemplary embodiments have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily understand that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without substantially departing from the invention. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A power supply system, comprising: A power supply device with adjustable output power limits, the power supply device comprising a rectangular body having a height greater than its width; An orientation sensor is disposed within the rectangular body and determines the orientation of the rectangular body in the direction of gravity. as well as Controller, the controller: Receive orientation signals from the orientation sensor In response to an orientation signal instructing the rectangular body to be oriented substantially parallel to the direction of gravity with the width thereof, the output power limit is adjusted to a first power level. In response to an orientation signal instructing the rectangular body to be oriented substantially parallel to the direction of gravity at the height, the output power limit is adjusted to a second power level greater than the first power level, and The power is output from the power supply device at a level less than or equal to the output power limit.

2. The power supply system according to claim 1, wherein, The controller automatically adjusts the output power limit from the power supply device in response to changes in the orientation signal.

3. The power supply system according to claim 1, wherein, The first power level is 180 W, and the second power level is 240 W.

4. The power supply system according to claim 1, wherein, The power supply device further includes a base having a width greater than the width of the rectangular body, wherein the base supports the rectangular body in an orientation that is substantially parallel to the direction of gravity at the height of the rectangular body.

5. The power supply system of claim 1 further includes an adjustable support member that supports the rectangular body in an orientation in which the height is substantially parallel to the direction of gravity.

6. The power supply system according to claim 1, wherein, The orientation sensor can operate within a temperature range of -40 degrees Celsius to less than 85 degrees Celsius.

7. The power supply system according to claim 1, wherein, The volume of the power supply device, defined by its length, width, and height, is less than or equal to 200 cubic centimeters.

8. The power supply system according to claim 1, further comprising: A computer electrically coupled to the power supply device, the computer including a memory and a processor, wherein... The memory includes instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: Measure the power requirements of the computer and detect the output power limit of the power supply device; Calculate whether the power requirement of the computer is greater than or less than the output power limit of the power supply device; and In response to the calculation, the user is notified to change the orientation of the rectangular body of the power supply device to adjust the output power limit of the power supply device.

9. The power supply system according to claim 8: in, The power supply device also includes a temperature sensor; The computer's memory further includes instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform the following operations: Receive the temperature of the power supply device as measured by the temperature sensor. Calculate whether the temperature is greater than or less than a predetermined temperature threshold, and In response to the temperature exceeding the predetermined temperature threshold, the user is notified to change the orientation of the rectangular body of the power supply device.

10. The power system of claim 1, further comprising a cooling module configured to be attached to the power device, cooling the power device, and adjusting the output power limit of the power device to a third power level greater than the second power level.

11. A method comprising: An orientation signal is received from an orientation sensor, which is disposed within a rectangular body of the power supply device and determines the orientation of the rectangular body in the direction of gravity. The power supply device has an adjustable output power limit; The rectangular body has a height greater than its width; In response to an orientation signal instructing the rectangular body to be oriented substantially parallel to the direction of gravity with the width therein, the output power limit is adjusted to a first power level; In response to an orientation signal instructing the rectangular body to be oriented substantially parallel to the direction of gravity at the height, the output power limit is adjusted to a second power level greater than the first power level; and The power is output from the power supply device at a level less than or equal to the output power limit.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: Measure the power requirements of the computer electrically coupled to the power supply device. The computer is used to detect the output power limit of the power supply device; Calculate whether the power requirement of the computer is greater than or less than the output power limit of the power supply device; In response to the calculation, the user is notified to change the orientation of the rectangular body of the power supply device to adjust the output power limit of the power supply device.

13. The method of claim 11, further comprising: The temperature of the power supply unit is received by a temperature sensor disposed within the power supply unit. Calculate whether the temperature is greater than or less than a predetermined temperature threshold, and In response to the temperature exceeding the predetermined temperature threshold, the user is notified to change the orientation of the rectangular body of the power supply device.

14. The method of claim 12, further comprising: In response to a calculation that the power demand of the computer is greater than or less than the output power limit of the power supply unit, the user is notified to attach a cooling module to the power supply unit. Attach the cooling module to the power supply device; as well as The output power limit of the power supply device is adjusted to a third power level that is greater than the second power level.

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