AC Adapter Standby Power Reduction via Controller Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional AC adapters for electronic devices consume significant standby power even when the personal computer is off, as they remain in a standby state without efficient power management.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a power supply unit that includes an input changeover switch and a controller, which switches between supplying or disconnecting commercial power from the power supply unit based on control signals from a master device, reducing standby power consumption by assuming an 'Off' state during idle periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the AC adapter remains in standby state to ensure quick startup, then the device can be quickly powered on, but significant standby power is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the power supply state changeable between standby and operational modes. The controller dynamically switches the power supply unit between these states based on system requirements, allowing the power supply to be turned off completely during standby periods rather than remaining in a fixed standby state, thus reducing power consumption while maintaining quick startup capability when needed.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the power supply unit is disconnected from commercial power during standby, then standby power consumption is reduced, but the device cannot be quickly powered on without proper control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the controller monitor system state and automatically manage the power supply connection. When the system needs to be powered on, the controller detects this condition and sends a control signal to reconnect the power supply unit to commercial power, enabling automatic and convenient power-on operation without manual intervention while maintaining low standby power consumption.
3Use of energy by moving object
If an input changeover switch is added to control power connection, then standby power consumption can be controlled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the controller to perform multiple functions: it manages USB device communication, monitors system state, controls the input changeover switch, and coordinates power supply operations. This multi-functional approach consolidates control responsibilities into a single component, reducing overall device complexity despite adding the power control capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device has: an operation unit; a power supply unit; an input changeover switch; and a controller. The power supply unit is supplied commercial power and supplies the operating power to the operation unit. The input changeover switch switches between supplying or not supplying the commercial power to the power supply unit. The controller controls the input changeover switch. The controller includes: a power input portion; a control signal input portion; and a switching signal output portion. When the device power is being supplied from a master electronic device to the power input portion and the control signal from the master electronic device is received by the control signal input portion, the switching signal output portion outputs to the input changeover switch a signal instructing to switch and supply the commercial power to the power supply unit.