Adapter Input Voltage Control for Laptop Power Loss Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing information processing apparatuses face inefficiencies in power management, particularly in extended power range scenarios, where power loss and temperature rise due to heat generation are significant, especially when using adjustable voltage supplies and secondary batteries.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus with a controller that monitors charging voltage and system supply power to determine the input voltage, using a converter to convert input power into intermediate voltage and a power feeder to supply this power to the system device and charge the battery, thereby optimizing power distribution and reducing losses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the input voltage is increased to supply sufficient power to the system device, then the power supply capability is improved, but the power loss and heat generation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply capabilityVSAvoidpower loss
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic voltage switching by providing multiple voltage candidates (first voltage and second voltage) and selectively switching between them based on real-time power requirements. The controller dynamically adjusts the input voltage to match the actual power demand, avoiding continuous operation at high voltage and thereby reducing power loss and heat generation while maintaining sufficient power supply capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the voltage parameter by offering multiple voltage candidates (different voltage levels) and selecting the appropriate one based on power requirements. This parameter change approach allows the system to operate at lower voltages when full power is not needed, reducing I²R losses and heat generation, while still being capable of supplying sufficient power when the system demands increase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If the input voltage is increased to enable extended power range (100W to 240W), then the power range is extended, but the temperature rise due to heat generation becomes noticeable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower rangeVSAvoidtemperature rise
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic voltage adjustment by providing multiple voltage candidates and selectively switching between them based on actual power requirements. This dynamic approach enables the system to operate in extended power range when needed while avoiding continuous high-voltage operation that causes excessive heat generation and temperature rise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of high voltage operation (heat generation) into a benefit by implementing intelligent voltage selection. The controller monitors power requirements and selectively applies high voltage only when necessary, otherwise operating at lower voltages. This transforms the harmful effect into a controlled feature that provides extended power capability without sustained heat generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Power

If a higher voltage is selected during voltage dropping, then the power supply to system device is sufficient, but the power loss tends to be greater

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem supply powerVSAvoidpower loss
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic voltage selection by providing multiple voltage candidates and switching between them based on real-time system requirements. The controller dynamically determines the appropriate input voltage level, ensuring sufficient system supply power while minimizing power loss by avoiding unnecessarily high voltage operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the voltage parameter by offering multiple voltage candidates and selecting the optimal one based on power requirements. This allows the system to adjust the input voltage parameter dynamically, supplying sufficient power to the system device while operating at the lowest necessary voltage to minimize I²R losses in the power conversion path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach reduces power loss and enhances power conversion efficiency by dynamically adjusting the input voltage based on charging and system supply power, stabilizing power supply and minimizing heat generation.

Implementation Method 1

a converter configured to convert an input voltage into an intermediate voltage at a predetermined voltage ratio

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic transformation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20240039316A1Information processing apparatus and control method
Publication Date: 2024.02.01 LENOVO (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD
  • US20240039316A1 patent drawing
  • US20240039316A1 patent drawing
  • US20240039316A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes a system device; a controller; a battery; a converter configured to convert an input voltage into an intermediate voltage at a predetermined voltage ratio, the input voltage is a voltage of input power from a power adapter; and a power feeder. The power feeder is configured to supply part or all of intermediate power that is power supplied from the converter, to the system device as system supply power; and charge the battery with part of the intermediate power left unsupplied to the system device, as charging power. The controller is configured to monitor a charging voltage and the system supply power, the charging voltage is a voltage of the charging power; and determine the input voltage based on the charging voltage and the system supply power.