Adaptable Power Supply Connector Layout

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing computer power supplies face challenges in flexibility and efficiency due to fixed cable lengths, bulky cable bundles, and limited design adaptability, which increase manufacturing costs and complexity, while also obstructing airflow and requiring multiple inventory models to meet varying power needs.

Innovation Solution

A power supply with individually configurable output connectors that can be oriented and located flexibly, using voltage sensing lines to ensure precise power delivery to each subsystem, allowing for customizable cable lengths and types, and accommodating various voltage and current requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If power output cables project from the back of the power supply in a large bundle, then power can be delivered to multiple components, but the cable bundle takes up considerable space within the computer system housing and blocks cooling airflow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower delivery capabilityVSAvoidspace occupied by cable bundle

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single large cable bundle into multiple individual cables, each with its own connector. Each cable is routed separately to its destination component, eliminating the bulky bundled appearance and allowing each cable to follow the most direct path to its target, thereby reducing overall space occupation and improving airflow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes multiple faces and surfaces of the power supply housing to distribute connectors spatially. Instead of concentrating all connectors at the back, connectors are placed on various faces (front, side, top) of the power supply, effectively using three-dimensional space to reduce cable bundle density and improve thermal management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Length of moving object

If cable extenders are used to reach remotely located peripheral components, then connection reach is extended, but valuable computer housing space is consumed and assembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable reachVSAvoidspace occupied by extenders

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent provides power supplies with pre-configured cables of appropriate lengths for different component locations. The manufacturer determines the optimal cable lengths in advance based on typical computer system layouts, eliminating the need for end-users to assemble extender cables and reducing both space consumption and assembly time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple models of power supplies with fixed cable configurations are stocked, then specific computer system designs can be supported, but inventory costs and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different computer system designsVSAvoidinventory variety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs power supplies with standardized connector types and configurations that can accommodate multiple computer system designs. By using universal connector standards and providing a range of cable lengths, a single power supply model can serve multiple product lines, eliminating the need to maintain separate inventory for each configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If technicians manually route and tie-wrap excess cables during assembly, then connections are established, but manufacturing time and service difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection establishmentVSAvoidassembly speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent provides cables with pre-determined lengths and pre-attached connectors that require minimal routing or securing during assembly. The cables are designed to naturally route to their destinations without requiring tie-wraps or complex routing, significantly reducing assembly time and simplifying service operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution enhances design flexibility, reduces manufacturing complexity, minimizes excess cable length, and improves airflow, enabling more efficient power distribution while reducing inventory needs and manufacturing costs.

Implementation Method 1

incorporating a voltage sensing line for feedback regulation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage sensing: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentUS7558971B2Adaptable power supply

Publication Date: 2009.07.07 HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEV LP

AI summary

An adaptable power supply for a computer system is provided, including: a power supply case, a power adapter, an input power connector, and a plurality of output connectors fixably mounted to the power supply case, and clustered into at least two clusters for connection to computer system components or subsystems via individual power cables. A method of manufacturing a computer system is also described, including: providing an adaptable power supply having output connectors, and connecting a plurality of computer system components to the power supply output connectors using individual cables. A computer system containing an adaptable power supply is also described.