Adapter-Detecting Power Feeder for Safe DC Output Matching

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power feeders and conversion adapters struggle to provide optimal DC power to information communication devices with unique DC power input terminals, leading to issues such as power loss, heat generation, and potential damage due to mismatched voltage and current requirements.

Innovation Solution

A power feeder and conversion adapter system that includes a detecting unit to identify the type of connected conversion adapter, allowing it to output the required DC power and voltage, and a protection circuit to prevent damage by stopping power output when unable to meet the device's requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single power feeder is used to support multiple devices with different DC power input requirements, then the adaptability of the power feeder is improved, but the risk of voltage and current mismatch causing power loss and heat generation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidpower loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The detecting unit performs preliminary detection of the conversion adapter type before power delivery. The control unit determines the required DC power specifications in advance based on the detected adapter type, ensuring the power feeder outputs the correct voltage and current before actual power transfer, thereby preventing power loss and heat generation from mismatch

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback through the detecting unit that identifies the conversion adapter type and communicates this information to the control unit. The control unit adjusts the power output based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop system that prevents energy loss by matching the power delivery to the specific device requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single power feeder is used to support multiple devices with different DC power input requirements, then the versatility of the power feeder is improved, but the risk of device damage due to mismatched power output increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveversatilityVSAvoiddevice safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The detecting unit performs preliminary detection of the conversion adapter type before power delivery. The control unit determines the required DC power specifications in advance based on the detected adapter type, ensuring the power feeder outputs the correct voltage and current before actual power transfer, thereby preventing power loss and heat generation from mismatch

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback through the detecting unit that identifies the conversion adapter type and communicates this information to the control unit. The control unit adjusts the power output based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop system that prevents energy loss by matching the power delivery to the specific device requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Power

If the power feeder outputs high power to meet maximum device requirements, then the power capability is improved, but the heat generation and energy loss increase when lower power is actually needed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower output capabilityVSAvoidheat generation

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The power feeder dynamically adjusts its power output based on the detected conversion adapter type. The control unit changes the voltage and current parameters according to the specific device requirements, allowing the system to operate at optimal power levels rather than always at maximum capacity, thereby reducing heat generation and energy loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Ensures safe and efficient power delivery to information communication devices by optimizing voltage and current output, preventing overheating and damage, and allowing a single power feeder to support a wide range of devices with different input terminals.

Implementation Method 1

an AC/DC conversion circuit that converts AC power into DC power

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic rectification: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20250246916A1Power feeder, conversion adapter, and power feeding apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.07.31 ELECOM CO LTD

AI summary

A power feeding apparatus 100, compatible with the DC power input terminal of the information communication device and capable of supplying the DC power required by the information communication device, is constituted of: a power feeder 10 including a power plug unit 11 to which AC power is inputted, an AC/DC conversion circuit 12 that converts AC power into DC power, and a DC output unit (a USB port unit 13) that outputs the converted power; and a conversion adapter 20 equipped with a jack 25 shaped to fit a DC power input unit of a specific personal computer, wherein the power feeder 10 detects a type of the conversion adapter 20 and outputs DC power corresponding to the conversion adapter 20.