Methods, systems, and electronic devices for dynamic output from a power source.

Abstract

This invention provides a method and system for dynamic output from a power supply. [Solution] The power supply system includes a power supply device with an adjustable output power limit. The power supply device includes a rectangular body whose height is greater than its width. The power supply system further includes a direction sensor and a controller. The controller receives a direction signal from the direction sensor and adjusts the output power limit to a first power level in accordance with the direction signal indicating that the rectangular body is oriented with 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 accordance with the direction signal indicating that the rectangular body is oriented with its height substantially parallel to the direction of gravity. In addition, the controller outputs power from the power supply device at a level below the output power limit.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Modern computers are becoming increasingly powerful and are capable of performing difficult and intensive processes. As the capabilities of computers increase, the power required by the computers can vary significantly depending on the processes being executed by the user. For example, running a single application (e.g., a web browser or email) requires little energy. In contrast, to support computationally intensive processes (e.g., multitasking using multiple applications, gaming, video editing and rendering, training or deployment of artificial intelligence models, etc.), more energy must be supplied to the computer. However, conventional power devices have a certain output power limit, and such power devices risk interrupting their output power or damaging their load devices and themselves (e.g., due to overheating or short circuit) in response to power consumption exceeding the output power limit. Even when power consumption does not exceed the output power limit, excessive heat still occurs when the power device is operating at a high output power level.

Summary of the Invention

[0002] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described in the detailed description below. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the subject matter claimed in the claims, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0003] In general, in one embodiment, 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 whose height is greater than its width. The power supply system further includes a direction sensor located within the rectangular body and determining the orientation of the rectangular body in the direction of gravity, and a controller. The controller receives a direction signal from the direction sensor and adjusts the output power limit to a first power level in accordance with the direction signal indicating that the rectangular body is oriented with 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 accordance with the direction signal indicating that the rectangular body is oriented with its height substantially parallel to the direction of gravity. In addition, the controller outputs power from the power supply device at a level below the output power limit.

[0004] In general, one embodiment relates to a method. The method includes receiving a direction signal from a direction sensor located 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 the direction signal indicating that the rectangular body is oriented such that its width is substantially parallel to the direction of gravity, and adjusting the output power limit to a second power level greater than the first power level in response to the direction signal indicating that the rectangular body is oriented such that its height is substantially parallel to the direction of gravity. Furthermore, the method includes outputting power from the power supply device at a level below the output power limit.

[0005] One or more embodiments of the power supply system dynamically adjust its output power limit to provide increased power without the risk of malfunction, while improving portability and user experience due to a smaller, lighter, and more cost-effective configuration than conventional power supply systems. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1A]This disclosure shows a power supply system according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure. [Figure 1B] This disclosure shows a power supply system according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure.

[0007] [Figure 2A] This shows a heatmap of a power supply device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2B] This shows a heatmap of a power supply device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0008] [Figure 3A] This disclosure shows a power supply system according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure. [Figure 3B] This disclosure shows a power supply system according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure.

[0009] [Figure 4] This disclosure describes a method for operating a power supply system according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Specific embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Similar elements in various drawings are indicated by the same reference numerals for consistency.

[0011] The following detailed description of embodiments of this disclosure includes many specific details to give a more complete understanding of the invention. However, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention may be carried out without these specific details. In other examples, well-known features are not described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description.

[0012] Throughout this application, ordinal numbers (e.g., 1st, 2nd, 3rd) may be used as adjectives of elements (e.g., any noun in this application). The use of ordinal numbers is not intended to imply or create a particular order of elements, nor to limit any element to only a single element, unless expressly disclosed, such as by using the terms “before,” “after,” “single,” and other such terms. Rather, the use of ordinal numbers is for distinguishing elements. For example, a first element is different from a second element, and a first element may encompass two or more elements, and may follow (or precede) a second element in the order of elements.

[0013] Conventional power supply systems can supply output power at different power levels depending on the power consumption of their loads, but they must supply power at levels below a predetermined maximum power limit (e.g., a certain number of watts). If the load requires more power to continue operating, typically an additional power supply system must be provided. For example, a laptop personal computer (PC) may use a power supply device (or power adapter) that supplies up to 65W of power. When performing intensive processing (e.g., video editing and rendering, application multitasking, etc.), the PC may require more power than the power supply device can supply. If the load consumes more power than the power supply device can supply, there is a risk that either the load or the power supply device (or both) will be damaged by overheating and short circuits. As a result, most PCs and other electronic devices are designed to consume only as much power as their standard power supply devices can safely supply. Some modern power supply devices utilize overcurrent protection, in addition to other protective measures, to shut down their power output in the event of a load consuming more power than they can safely supply. Conventional power supply devices can generate excessive heat when operating at high output power, even when operating within their output power limits.

[0014] Regardless of whether safety mechanisms are utilized by conventional power supply devices, if power demand exceeds power supply or if the conventional power supply device overheats, the user must provide a separate, more powerful power supply device to continue intensive processing on the PC. In contrast, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a power supply system that can dynamically adjust its output power limit to provide an increased amount of power as needed by the user while maintaining safe operation (e.g., without overheating). The power supply system includes a power supply device with a lightweight and slim design made from cost-effective components for portability, space efficiency, and affordability.

[0015] Figures 1A and 1B show a power supply system (100) according to one or more embodiments. The power supply system (100) includes a power supply device (101) with an adjustable output power limit. The power supply device (101) includes a rectangular body with 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) are expressed in a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system. As shown, 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). The three axes (160, 162, 164) are defined with respect to the reference coordinate system 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

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[0016] In FIG. 1A, the rectangular body of the power device (101) has a width (105) and a z-axis (160) in the direction of gravity [Number] and is oriented substantially parallel to (17). In other words, the width (105) extends upward from the virtual surface (not shown) of FIG. 1A on which the power device (101) is placed. In FIG. 1B, the rectangular body of the power device (101) is rotated from the position in FIG. IA. More specifically, in FIG. 1B, the rectangular body of the power device (101) has a height (107) and an x-axis (164) in the direction of gravity [Number] and is oriented substantially parallel to (170). In other words, the height (107) extends upward from the virtual surface (not shown) of FIG. 1B on which the power device (101) is placed.

[0017] The height (107) of the rectangular body of the power device (101) is greater than the width (105). As a result, the surface area extending between the length (103) and the height (107) is greater than the surface area extending between the width (105) and the height (107). Depending on the orientation of the power device (101), the surface (e.g., a table or a desk) on which the power device (101) is placed covers and insulates one of its sides, so that different amounts of the surface area of the rectangular body of the power device (101) are exposed to the surrounding air. The rate of heat dissipation and heat transfer between two sources of different temperatures (e.g., the power device (101) and the surrounding air) is typically proportional to the surface area in contact between them. As a result, the heat dissipation from the power device (101) is in the direction of gravity [Number] It depends at least partially on the orientation of the power supply device (101) in (170) or with respect to the direction of gravity. In other words, heat dissipation from the power supply device (101) depends at least partially on which surface of the power supply device (101) is in contact with the surface. The rectangular body of the power supply device (101) has one of its two largest surfaces in contact with the surface, and its width (105) is in the direction of gravity.

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[0018] The orientation of the rectangular body of the power supply device can be detected and continuously monitored using a direction sensor (120) located within the rectangular body of the power supply device (101). In addition to orientation, the direction sensor (120) determines the position and movement of the power supply device (101). The direction sensor (120) may 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, or a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) accelerometer that combines mechanical components (e.g., a housing, a proof mass with a suspension system that holds the proof mass in place inside the housing) with electrical components (e.g., a capacitive sensor or a piezoresistive / piezoelectric sensor). The direction sensor (120) may be operable at temperatures below 105 degrees Celsius.

[0019] The power supply system (100) includes a controller (122) that manages and adjusts input and output voltages in response to fluctuating load conditions ("power management"). Although only one controller (122) is shown in the drawings, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the controller (122) can consist of various 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 application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) for combining power management tasks, such as a power supply integrated circuit (PDIC). Generally, the controller (122) is part of the power supply device (101), as shown in Figures 1A and 1B. The controller (122) implements various protection functions for the power supply device (101), including overcurrent protection, overvoltage protection, overtemperature protection, overpower protection, 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 device (101) may include a temperature sensor (180) separate from the controller (122). The temperature sensor (180) measures the temperature of the power supply device (101), and the measured temperature may be used by the controller (122) to adjust the output power (for example, by reducing the output power in response to high temperatures).

[0020] One function of the controller (122) is to set or define the output power limit of the power supply device (101). Conventional power supply devices are built with a predetermined output power limit that cannot be changed, and the output power at any given moment must remain below the predetermined output power limit. In addition, conventional power supply devices are not designed with a particular orientation in mind. In contrast, the power supply device (101) of the present disclosure has an adjustable output power limit related to its orientation in space, according to one or more embodiments. The controller (122) is communicably coupled to a direction sensor (120). The direction sensor (120) continuously monitors or measures the orientation of the rectangular body of the power supply device (101) and transmits a signal to the controller (122) indicating the orientation of the rectangular body of the power supply device (101). The width (105) is in the direction of gravity.

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[0021] The output power limit is set to a first power level according to the orientation of the power supply device (101) in Figure 1A. After the power supply device (101) is rotated to the orientation shown in Figure 1B, the output power limit is set to a second power level. It should be understood that the power supply device (101) does not need to start in any particular orientation. However, once the power supply device (101) is positioned in one of the above orientations, the output power limit is set or adjusted accordingly. Thus, the controller (122) may be configured to automatically adjust the output power limit from the power supply device (101) in response to a change in the orientation signal. During operation, the controller (122) adjusts the output power from the power supply device (101) to a level below the output power limit.

[0022] The first and second power levels may be configured according to the load. In one or more embodiments, the first power level is 180W and the second power level is 240W. However, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to these specific power ranges, and the output power limits may be configured to different values ​​depending on the application.

[0023] As mentioned above, conventional power supply devices operate within a predetermined output power limit. When a power supply device operates at its 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 increases the amount of energy consumed by the power supply device, overheating and short circuits can damage the load or the power supply device (or both). Consequently, the output power limit is generally selected to prevent the power supply device from overheating. In some cases, the output power limit is set so that the power supply device cannot physically overheat even when operating at maximum output power for extended periods (for example, a specific threshold for output power may be determined by laboratory testing). Alternatively, the power supply device may adjust its output power based on measured temperature. In either case, the output power limit of a power supply device may be limited, at least in part, by the heat dissipation characteristics of the power supply device.

[0024] As described above, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a power supply device (101) having substantially different heat dissipation characteristics depending on its orientation in space. To reiterate, the width (105) of the rectangular body of the power supply device (101) is in the direction of gravity.

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[0025] Figures 2A and 2B show heatmaps of power supply devices (101) according to one or more embodiments. The heatmaps show temperature (200) as a function of location near the power supply device (101). More specifically, Figures 2A and 2B show simulations of power supply devices (101) according to exemplary configurations. Therefore, it should be understood that the exact values ​​for various characteristics of the power supply device (101) and its environment described below with reference to Figures 2A and 2B are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered limiting.

[0026] The temperature values ​​at each location in the heatmap are indicated by the color bar (202). In both Figure 2A and Figure 2B, the ambient temperature (206) is 35°C. The simulated power supply device (101) has a length (103) of 128 mm, a width (105) of 23.7 mm, and a height (107) of 66 mm. Therefore, the total volume of the power supply device (101) is 200 cubic centimeters, which corresponds to a compact and slim design. In Figure 2A, the power supply device (101) is oriented in the same way as shown in Figure 1A, but viewed from a viewpoint directly parallel to the x-axis (164), which is the direction of extension of the height (107). Therefore, the width (105) is in the direction of gravity in Figure 2A.

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[0027] Figures 2A and 2B both show a power supply device (101) operating at an output power of 240W. Therefore, in Figures 2A and 2B, the first power level is at least 240W, and the second power level is greater than 240W. In order to output 240W of power, power exceeding 240W is consumed by the power supply device (101) due to various energy loss sources. For example, some amount of energy is lost as heat. In both Figures 2A and 2B, various locations near the power supply device (101) have temperatures (204, 214) higher than the ambient temperature (206) due to heat emitted from the power supply device (101). The amount of energy lost due to heat is called power loss, and the greater the power loss, the greater the heat generated. The efficiency of the power supply device (101) is defined as the amount of power output relative to the total amount of power consumed. For both user safety and the lifespan of the electrical components, it is important that the rectangular body of the power supply device (101) does not exceed a predetermined temperature threshold. The exact 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. The temperature threshold may be defined against the mean temperature of the rectangular body of the power supply device (101), or against another summary statistic such as the median temperature. In some cases, it may be preferable for the heat of the power supply device to be uniformly distributed. Therefore, the temperature threshold may be defined against the change in temperature (e.g., the standard deviation) over a predetermined number of locations on the rectangular body of the power supply device (101). The temperature threshold may also be defined as the change in temperature relative to a reference temperature, e.g., ambient temperature (206). In the example considered in Figures 2A and 2B, the temperature threshold is defined as the mean change of 55°C over the rectangular body of the power supply device when the ambient temperature (206) is 35°C.

[0028] As mentioned above, the power supply device (101) has a height (107) that is in the direction of gravity, as shown in Figure 2B.

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[0029] Referring to Figures 1A and 1B, embodiments of the power supply 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) supplies power to the computer (110) via an electrical coupling (e.g., via an electrical cable with USB-C or other standard connectivity) as shown by the dashed arrow (180) in Figures 1A and 1B. The computer (110) referred 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 these devices, or any other suitable processing device including both a physical instance and / or a virtual instance of a computing device. The computer (110) may include, for example, one or more auxiliary devices for receiving inputs and processing or displaying outputs. The auxiliary devices may include a keypad, keyboard, touchscreen, or other input devices that can accept user information (e.g., a joystick). The auxiliary device may further include a computer screen or other output device that transmits information related to the operation of a computer system, including digital data, visual information, or audio information (or a combination of information), or a graphical user interface.

[0030] The computer (110) includes one or more computer processors (112) and data storage devices or memory (114), such as one or more non-persistent storage devices (e.g., volatile memory such as random access memory (RAM) and cache memory) and persistent storage devices (e.g., optical drives such as hard disks, compact 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 in the memory (114). For example, the processor (112) may be one or more cores or microcores, or may include one or more. The computer (110) may further 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 another device.

[0031] The memory (114) of the computer (110) stores and contains instructions, which, when executed, cause the processor (112) to perform various steps. More specifically, the instructions cause the processor (112) to measure the power demand of the computer (110), which is the amount of electricity required to maintain the operation of the computer (110). The power demand can quantify the current power demand at the time of measurement, i.e., instantaneous power consumption, or the power demand at a future point in time based on recorded power usage analysis. Alternatively or additionally, the power demand can quantify the power demand based on user requests. For example, a user may attempt to initialize a process, thereby prompting the computer (110) to measure the power demand of the current computer process and the requested process. The power demand of the computer (110) can change depending on how the computer (110) is used. When running computationally intensive processes, the computer (110) consumes more power. If the power demand of the computer (110) is greater than the amount of power supplied to the computer, the computer (110) may cease to function. In some embodiments, the computer (110) also includes a battery that can supply auxiliary power to the computer (110) and prevent the computer from immediately ceasing to function when the power demand exceeds the supplied power. Nevertheless, if the power demand exceeds the supplied power, the battery will also eventually run out of power.

[0032] The instruction causes the processor (112) of the computer (110) to detect the current output power limit of the power supply device (101). The power supply device (101) may communicate this information from the controller (122) to the computer (110) via an electrical coupling ring (180), and the power supply device (101) and the computer (110) are connected via the electrical coupling (180). For example, the controller (122) may include a power supply integrated circuit (PDIC) that communicates information, including the output power limit, to the computer (110) via the I2C protocol. After detecting the output power limit of the power supply device (101), the instruction causes the processor (112) to determine whether the power demand of the computer (110) is greater than or less than the output power limit of the power supply device (101). The determination determines whether the computer has enough power to maintain its current processes, or, if applicable, enough power to run additional processes. Depending on the determination, 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 device (101) and adjust its output power limit. However, the notification may include additional or alternative information as described below.

[0033] The information contained in the notification (150) depends on the current orientation of the rectangular body of the power supply device (101), the values ​​of the first and second power levels, and the power demand of the computer (110). For example, if the rectangular body of the power supply device (101) is oriented as shown in Figure 1A (and thus the output power limit is set to the first power level), and the power demand of the computer (110) is greater than the first power level, the notification (150) requests the user to change the orientation of the power supply device to the orientation shown in Figure 1B, thereby increasing the output power limit from the first power level to the second power level. However, if the power demand is lower than the first level, no change is required. 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 a software update or other process in the background (i.e., without active user participation).

[0034] If the rectangular body of the power supply device (101) is oriented as shown in Figure 1B (thus setting the output power limit to the second power level), and the power demand of the computer (110) is below the second power level, the notification (150) may request the user to change the orientation of the power supply device to the orientation shown in Figure 1A, thereby reducing the output power limit from the second power level to the first power level. The power supply device (101) is configured to adjust the output power at a rate below the output power limit. In this example, since the power demand of the computer (110) is below the second power level, there is no need to change the orientation of the power supply device (101). Therefore, the notification (150) may inform the user that it is safe but not necessary to change the orientation of the rectangular body of the power supply device (101). Alternatively, if there is no need to change the output power limit, the notification (150) may not be sent. If the power demand of the computer (110) is greater than the second power level, the notification (150) may inform the user that the computer may not function properly or that the computer's battery will run out soon.

[0035] The computer's (110) memory (114) may store and contain further instructions, which, when executed, cause the processor (112) to perform additional steps. For example, the instructions may cause the processor to acquire or receive the temperature of the power supply device (101) measured by a temperature sensor (180). The processor may then determine whether the temperature is above or below a predetermined temperature threshold, which is determined based on the safe operation of the power supply device (101). For example, in one or more embodiments, the predetermined temperature threshold may be 100 degrees Celsius. However, as those skilled in the art will see, other predetermined temperature thresholds may be used depending on the composition or structure and internal layout of the individual components of the power supply device (101).

[0036] The computer (110) may notify the user to change the orientation of the rectangular body of the power supply device (101) in response to the temperature being higher than a predetermined temperature threshold. In such a scenario, as shown in Figures 1A and 2A, the width (105) is in the direction of gravity.

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[0037] Figures 3A and 3B show a power supply system (100) according to one or more embodiments. In Figure 3A, the rectangular body of the power supply device (101) includes a substrate (300). The substrate (300) is positioned along one or both of the surfaces that extend between the length (103) and the width (105). Furthermore, the substrate (300) has a substrate width (305) that is greater than the width (105) of the rectangular body of the power supply device (101). Thus, the height (107) of the substrate (300) is in the direction of gravity.

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[0038] Figure 3A further illustrates the cooling module (310). The cooling module (310) is configured to be mounted on the power supply device (101). When the cooling module (310) is mounted on the power supply device (101), the output power limit of the power supply device (101) is adjusted to a third power level greater than the second power level. The cooling module (310) functions as a heat exchanger and may include a fan to improve the heat dissipation efficiency of the power supply device (101). However, to emphasize that the cooling module (310) does not need to operate the power supply device (101) within the first and second power levels, the cooling module (310) is shown with a dashed line.

[0039] Embodiments of a power supply device (101) including a cooling module (310) as shown in Figure 3A may provide additional functionality when electrically coupled to a computer (110). For example, when the height (107) is in the direction of gravity

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[0040] In Figure 3B, the rectangular body of the power supply device (101) includes an adjustable support member (320). Similar to the substrate (300), the height of the adjustable support member (320) is relative to the direction of gravity.

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[0041] Figure 4 shows a method according to one or more embodiments. The steps of the method in Figure 4 can be performed using a controller (122) of a power supply device (101) as part of a power supply system (100). The steps shown within the dashed boxes can be performed in a computer (110) which is part of the power supply system (100).

[0042] In step 400, the power supply device (101) is placed inside the rectangular body and in the direction of gravity

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[0043] In step 402, the output power limit of the power supply device (101) is such that the width (105) is in the direction of gravity.

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[0044] Steps 408-416 may be performed using a computer (110) electrically coupled to the power supply device (101), and these steps may be stored in memory (114) as instructions to be executed by the processor (112) of the computer (110). In step 408, the power demand of the computer (110) is measured. The power demand changes depending on the activity of the computer (110) and may include the power required to support the current computer process as well as additional (e.g., requested) computer processes. In step 410, the output power limit of the power supply device (101) is detected. This information may be communicated from the controller (122) to the computer via a standard protocol, such as I2C. In step 412, a determination is made to determine whether the power demand of the computer (110) is greater than or less than the output power limit of the power supply device (101). In step 414, the user of the computer (110) is notified to change the orientation of the rectangular body of the power supply device (101) according to the determination. Various examples of notifications corresponding to various usage scenarios are provided above. In one or more embodiments, the computer (110) receives the temperature of the power supply device (101) measured by the temperature sensor (180), determines whether the temperature is higher or lower than a predetermined temperature threshold, and can notify the user to change the orientation of the rectangular body of the power supply device (101) depending on whether the temperature is higher than the predetermined temperature threshold.

[0045] In step 416, the orientation of the rectangular body of the power supply device (101) is changed to adjust the output power limit of the power supply device (101). After that, power is output from the power supply device (101) at a level below the output power limit.

[0046] Steps 408-416 are described as being performed by a computer (110), but these steps can also be performed by the power supply device (101) itself. In such embodiments, notifications may be sent from the power supply device (101) to the computer (110). Additionally, while the power supply device (101) is in use, the power supply device (101) may record its own temperature via a temperature sensor (180). In some embodiments, the power supply device (101) can determine whether the temperature is above or below a predetermined temperature threshold and notify the user to change the orientation of the rectangular body of the power supply device (101) if the temperature is above the predetermined temperature threshold.

[0047] The method shown in Figure 4 can be repeated (e.g., within a loop) to continuously provide the user with guidance for operating the power supply device. Therefore, if the orientation of the rectangular body of the power supply device (101) is changed in step 416, step 400 immediately follows, where the orientation signal is received.

[0048] Embodiments of the present disclosure have one or more of the following advantages. The power supply systems disclosed herein enable a user to freely operate electronic devices, such as computers, at a wide range of energy levels using a single multi-function power supply device. This is made possible by a power supply device having substantially different heat dissipation characteristics depending on its orientation in space. By changing the orientation of the power supply device, heat dissipation efficiency is improved, thereby enabling the power supply device to safely operate at a higher power output or continue to operate at the same power output when the temperature of the power supply device rises above a predetermined temperature threshold. An orientation sensor enables the power supply device to change its output power level with minimal user interaction simply by changing the orientation of the rectangular body of the power supply device. This feature is further supported by power demand monitoring by a computer that can guide the user using notifications about when the orientation of the power supply device should be changed. In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure also provide safety features to prevent the power supply device from overheating by monitoring the temperature of the power supply device and providing notifications indicating various options for improving heat dissipation from the power supply device and when they are needed.

[0049] Overall, the proprietary design eliminates the need for additional power supply devices, increasing the flexibility of the user device's use. In addition, the internal designs of the power supply devices disclosed herein may be constructed from affordable components. For example, by utilizing a large exposed surface area, the primary circuit of the power supply device can be constructed on a “conventional” diode (single-component) bridge while still maintaining high heat dissipation. More sophisticated components, such as active MOSFET bridges, may be used for higher energy efficiency, but they are often significantly more expensive and offer only slightly improved energy efficiency.

[0050] 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 present invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0051] 100 Power Systems 101 Power Devices 103 Length 105 width 107 Height 110 Computer 112 processors 114 memory 120-directional sensor 122 Controllers 150 notifications 180 Temperature Sensor 300 circuit boards 305 board width 310 Cooling Module 320 Adjustable support member

Claims

1. A power supply device with an adjustable output power limit, comprising a rectangular body whose height is greater than its width, A direction sensor is disposed within the rectangular body and determines the orientation of the rectangular body in the direction of gravity. A direction signal is received from the aforementioned direction sensor, The output power limit is adjusted to a first power level in accordance with the direction signal indicating that the rectangular body is oriented such that its width is substantially parallel to the direction of gravity. In response to the direction signal indicating that the rectangular body is oriented such that its height is substantially parallel to the direction of gravity, the output power limit is adjusted to a second power level greater than the first power level. Power is output from the power supply device at a level below the aforementioned output power limit. Controller and A power supply system equipped with the following features.

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 a change in the direction signal.

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

4. The power supply device further comprises a substrate having a width greater than the width of the rectangular body, the substrate supporting the rectangular body in an orientation such that the height of the rectangular body is substantially parallel to the direction of gravity, according to claim 1.

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

6. The power supply system according to claim 1, wherein the direction sensor is capable of operating within a temperature range higher than -40 degrees Celsius and less than 85 degrees Celsius.

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

8. The power supply device is electrically coupled to a computer further comprising memory and a processor, The memory stores and provides instructions, and when an instruction is executed by the processor, the processor provides the processor with: The power demand of the aforementioned computer is measured, The power supply device is made to detect the output power limit, The computer is made to determine whether its power demand is greater than or less than the output power limit of the power supply device. To adjust the output power limit of the power supply device, the user is notified to change the orientation of the rectangular body of the power supply device in accordance with the determination. The power supply system according to claim 1.

9. The power supply device further includes a temperature sensor, The memory of the computer stores and provides instructions, and when an instruction is executed by the processor, the processor... The temperature of the power supply device measured by the temperature sensor is received. The system determines whether the temperature is greater than or less than a predetermined temperature threshold. The user is notified to change the orientation of the rectangular body of the power supply device in accordance with the temperature being greater than the predetermined temperature threshold. The power supply system according to claim 8.

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

11. The steps include receiving a direction signal from a direction sensor which is located within the rectangular body of a power supply device and determines the orientation of the rectangular body in the direction of gravity, and the power supply device having an adjustable output power limit and the rectangular body having a height greater than its width, The steps include adjusting the output power limit to a first power level in response to the direction signal indicating that the rectangular body is oriented such that its width is substantially parallel to the direction of gravity, The steps include adjusting the output power limit to a second power level greater than the first power level, in response to the direction signal indicating that the rectangular body is oriented such that its height is substantially parallel to the direction of gravity, The steps include outputting power from the power supply device at a level below the aforementioned output power limit, A method that includes this.

12. The steps include measuring the power demand of a computer electrically coupled to the power supply device, The steps include: detecting the output power limit of the power supply device using the computer; The steps include determining whether the power demand of the computer is greater than or less than the output power limit of the power supply device, The steps include notifying the user to change the orientation of the rectangular body of the power supply device in accordance with the determination in order to adjust the output power limit of the power supply device, The method according to claim 11, further comprising:

13. The steps include receiving the temperature of the power supply device as measured by a temperature sensor placed inside the power supply device, The steps include determining whether the temperature is greater than or less than a predetermined temperature threshold, The steps include notifying the user to change the orientation of the rectangular body of the power supply device in response to the temperature being greater than a predetermined temperature threshold, The method according to claim 11, further comprising:

14. The steps include notifying the user to attach a cooling module to the power supply device in accordance with the determination of whether the power demand of the computer is greater than or less than the output power limit of the power supply device, The steps include: attaching the cooling module to the power supply device; and adjusting the output power limit of the power supply device to a third power level greater than the second power level. The method according to claim 12, further comprising:

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