Power Adapter Transformer Feedback Control for Sparkle Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power adapters continue to consume power and potentially cause sparkles when not connected to a load, leading to inefficiency and safety hazards due to the lack of a mechanism to determine the connection state with electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
A power adapter with a voltage converter, transformer, and controller that generates an output voltage only when connected to an electronic device by detecting voltage changes across the transformer, preventing unnecessary power conversion and sparkle effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the power adapter continuously outputs voltage when not connected to a load, then the power adapter is ready to provide power immediately, but power consumption increases and safety hazards occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously monitors the connection state through the transformer coupling. When a load is detected (secondary side shorted to ground), the controller receives feedback signal and activates the voltage converter to provide output voltage. When no load is connected, the feedback indicates open circuit and the voltage converter remains inactive, eliminating unnecessary power consumption while maintaining instant readiness upon connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller performs preliminary detection of the connection state before activating the voltage converter. The transformer is always connected and ready to detect voltage changes, and the controller is pre-programmed to immediately activate power output when connection is detected, eliminating startup delay while avoiding continuous power consumption during idle state.
2Speed
If the power adapter continuously outputs voltage when not connected to a load, then the power adapter can immediately power connected devices, but sparkle effects and safety hazards occur
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback mechanism through the transformer allows the controller to detect connection state before activating high-voltage output. The secondary side is pre-configured to short to ground when connected, providing immediate feedback that triggers controlled voltage activation, ensuring fast power delivery without uncontrolled voltage spikes that cause sparkle effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-configuring the secondary side to short to ground when connected, which prevents voltage buildup before connection. This preliminary protective action ensures that when the load is connected, voltage is applied in a controlled manner, eliminating sparkle effects and safety hazards while maintaining fast power delivery.
3Measurement precision
If the power adapter uses a transformer to detect connection state, then accurate load detection is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transformer serves multiple functions: it provides galvanic isolation for safety, enables connection state detection through voltage coupling, and supports the feedback mechanism for controlled power delivery. By making the transformer multi-functional, the patent achieves accurate measurement without adding separate detection circuits, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 solution effectively reduces power wastage and eliminates sparkles by determining the connection state, ensuring efficient power usage and user safety when connected to an electronic device.
Implementation Method 1
The first transformer includes a primary side and a secondary side. The primary side and the secondary side are coupled to each other, and a first end and a second end of the secondary side are coupled to the connecting port, respectively. The controller is coupled to the voltage converter and the first transformer. The controller generates the indicating signal according to a voltage at the primary side of the first transformer.
Data Source
AI summary
A power adaptor is provided. The power adaptor includes a voltage converter, a connecting port, a first transformer and a controller. The voltage converter receives an input voltage and determines whether to convert the input voltage to an output voltage according to an indicating signal. The first transformer includes a primary side and a secondary side. The primary side and the secondary side are coupled to each other, and a first end and a second end of the secondary side are coupled to the connecting port, respectively. The controller generates the indicating signal according to a voltage at the primary side of the first transformer. The connecting port is used to connect to an electrical device, and when the connecting port is electrically connected to the electrical device, a first end and a second end of the secondary side are short to a reference ground end of the secondary side.