AC-DC Converter Wireless Control for Standby Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic systems require manual operation to turn on/off AC-DC converters, leading to increased power consumption during standby times, especially when the converter is located far from the electronic device.
Innovation Solution
An electronic system that includes an AC-DC converter, a detector for battery level, a transmitter to send signals, and a controller to control the AC-DC converter using received signals, allowing for remote on/off operations via radio communication, thereby reducing power consumption without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If manual power switch operation is used, then power consumption can be reduced at standby time, but user convenience deteriorates due to need to physically go to AC-DC converter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual switch operation with a wireless communication system. The electronic device transmits control signals via radio waves to the AC-DC converter, eliminating the need for physical contact or mechanical switching. This substitution maintains energy reduction benefits while dramatically improving user convenience through remote operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless communication signals as an intermediary between the user and the AC-DC converter. The transmitter in the electronic device and receiver in the AC-DC converter create a communication bridge that allows remote control without direct physical interaction, resolving the contradiction between energy saving and ease of operation.
2Loss of energy
If AC-DC converter is located apart from electronic device, then power consumption reduction is achieved, but ease of operation worsens due to distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical proximity-based operation with wireless electromagnetic communication. The transmitter and receiver system allows the AC-DC converter to be located anywhere within radio range, decoupling operational accessibility from physical proximity while maintaining energy efficiency.
3Loss of energy
If automatic control is implemented, then power consumption is reduced without manual intervention, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality in both the electronic device and AC-DC converter. The electronic device serves both its primary function and acts as a remote controller with transmitter capabilities. The AC-DC converter functions both as a power supply and as a controlled device with receiver and control circuitry. This universal design approach manages complexity by reusing existing components for multiple purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the electronic device can detect the state of the secondary battery and automatically transmit appropriate control signals to the AC-DC converter. This automatic feedback loop enables intelligent power management without requiring manual intervention, reducing power consumption while managing complexity through automated decision-making algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic system includes: an AC-DC converter to convert an AC voltage into a DC voltage and to supply the DC voltage to a secondary battery; a first detector to detect a remaining amount of the secondary battery; a transmitter to transmit a signal corresponding to the remaining amount of the secondary battery; a receiver to receive the signal transmitted by the transmitter; and a controller to control the AC-DC converter using the signal received by the receiver.