Power Adapter Switching Element for Standby Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Widespread use of AC-to-DC power adapters leads to significant standby power consumption, as they continue to draw energy even when devices are disconnected, fully charged, or turned off, resulting in wastage of electrical energy.
Innovation Solution
An electrical system with a switching element, such as a latching relay, that automatically establishes or breaks the power path from the AC energy source based on the connection status of the device, preventing power flow when the device does not require it, thereby minimizing standby power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If power adapters remain connected to AC supply for continuous availability, then power delivery readiness is improved, but standby power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by maintaining the power adapter connected to AC supply and capable of immediate power delivery, while using a switching element to prevent actual power consumption until a device is detected. The connection event detection mechanism is prepared in advance to immediately activate power delivery when needed, thus achieving both readiness and energy efficiency.
2Loss of energy
If switching elements are added to control power flow, then standby power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power control function into a separate switching element that is integrated into the power adapter circuitry. This switching element operates independently to control power flow based on connection detection, thereby reducing standby consumption without significantly complicating the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The power adapter system performs self-service by automatically detecting connection events and controlling power delivery through the switching element without requiring external intervention. The system monitors its own operational state and adjusts power consumption accordingly, simplifying the control mechanism while achieving energy efficiency.
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
The system effectively reduces standby power consumption to near zero, ensuring that power is only drawn when the device is connected and requires it, thus optimizing energy utilization from the AC energy source.
Implementation Method 1
An electrical system with a switching element, such as a latching relay, that automatically establishes or breaks the power path from the AC energy source
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for delivering power from a first energy source (116) to a second energy source (118). An electrical system (100) for delivering power from a first energy source (116) to a second energy source (118) comprises an interface (114) configured to be coupled to the second energy source, a switching element (108) coupled between the first energy source and the interface, and a processing system (122) coupled to the switching element and the interface. The processing system is configured to identify (404) a connection event based on an electrical characteristic of the interface (114) that is indicative of the interface being coupled to the second energy source (118) and operate the switching element (108) to provide (406) a path for current from the first energy source (116) in response to identifying the connection event.