AC-DC Adapter Trigger Signal Control for Standby Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional adapters for portable electronic devices consume energy and generate heat due to standby power consumption even when disconnected from the system end, as they continuously convert AC to DC voltage regardless of connection status.
Innovation Solution
An adapter that automatically turns on when connected to the system end and turns off when disconnected, utilizing a trigger signal to control the converter module's operation, thereby minimizing standby power consumption and preventing overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the adapter continuously converts AC to DC voltage regardless of connection status, then the adapter is always ready to provide power, but standby power consumption increases and heat is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter transitions from a static always-on state to a dynamic state that changes based on connection status. The controller switch dynamically adjusts the converter module's operation mode between active and standby states, optimizing power consumption while maintaining power delivery capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection circuit provides feedback about the connection status between the adapter and system end to the controller switch. This feedback mechanism enables the adapter to automatically adjust its power conversion operation, turning off the converter module when disconnected and turning it on when connected, thereby eliminating unnecessary standby power consumption.
2Loss of energy
If the adapter automatically turns off when disconnected, then standby power consumption is reduced to nearly zero, but the adapter cannot provide power immediately upon reconnection without detection delay
Solution Approach 1:
The detection circuit continuously monitors the connection status and prepares the controller switch for immediate action. When the system end is connected, the trigger signal is already present and ready to activate the converter module, eliminating detection delays and enabling immediate power delivery upon reconnection.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the adapter remains connected to provide power, then the system end can operate continuously, but the adapter generates unwanted heat due to continuous AC/DC conversion
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous AC/DC conversion, the adapter employs periodic action by turning the converter module on only when needed (when the system end is connected) and turning it off when not needed (when disconnected). This periodic operation eliminates continuous heat generation while maintaining power supply continuity during active use.
4Loss of energy
If the adapter uses a trigger signal to control automatic on/off, then power consumption is optimized, but the device complexity increases due to additional detection circuit and controller switch
Solution Approach 1:
The detection circuit and controller switch serve multiple functions: detecting connection status, generating trigger signals, controlling the converter module's on/off state, and providing overall power management. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity while achieving significant power consumption optimization.
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 reduces standby power consumption to nearly zero and prevents overheating by ensuring the adapter is only active when connected, while allowing manual override for compatibility with conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
The adapter converts the AC voltage of a wall socket into a DC voltage required by the system end
Data Source
AI summary
A portable electronic device is provided. The portable electronic device includes a system end and an adapter. The system end provides a trigger signal. The adapter converts an input AC voltage into an output DC voltage and provides the output DC voltage to the system end. When the adapter is connected to the system end, the trigger signal turns on the adapter. When the adapter is disconnected from the system end, the adapter detects an absence of the trigger signal and turns off automatically.