Power Adapter Voltage Tap Switching for Load-Dependent Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power adapters lack the ability to dynamically adjust output voltage based on the operating mode of electronic devices, leading to inefficiencies in both standby and operating power levels.
Innovation Solution
A power converter with a controller that selectively switches between different voltage taps on a transformer's secondary winding based on sensed current levels, adjusting the output voltage to match the device's operational mode, thereby optimizing power efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional power adapters provide fixed output voltage, then the device structure is simple, but power efficiency deteriorates in both standby and operating modes
Solution Approach 1:
The power adapter dynamically switches between different voltage taps on the transformer secondary winding based on the operating mode of the electronic device. The controller monitors device state and adjusts the output voltage accordingly, transitioning from a static fixed-voltage system to a dynamic adaptive-voltage system that optimizes power efficiency in both standby and operating modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the output voltage parameter based on the electronic device's operating mode. By providing different voltage levels (e.g., higher voltage during operation, lower voltage during standby) through selectable taps on the transformer secondary winding, the system optimizes power delivery and reduces energy loss without requiring multiple separate power adapters.
2Loss of energy
If a single power adapter is used for both standby and operating modes, then device quantity is reduced, but power efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The power adapter is designed to perform multiple functions by serving both standby and operating modes with a single device. The adapter includes multiple voltage taps on the transformer secondary winding and a controller that selects appropriate taps based on the electronic device's operating mode, enabling one adapter to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized adapters.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter dynamically adapts its output characteristics to match the electronic device's operational requirements. The controller monitors the device state and switches between different voltage levels, allowing the single adapter to efficiently serve both low-power standby mode and high-power operating mode without compromising performance or efficiency.
3Power
If output voltage is fixed at high level, then operating mode performance is improved, but standby power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the output voltage parameter based on the electronic device's operating mode. During standby mode, the controller selects a lower voltage tap to reduce power consumption. During active operation, the controller switches to a higher voltage tap to provide sufficient power for full functionality, thus optimizing both standby efficiency and operating performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The power adapter transitions from a static fixed-voltage output to a dynamic variable-voltage output that automatically adjusts to the electronic device's needs. The controller continuously monitors the device state and switches between voltage taps, ensuring high voltage is provided only when necessary for operation, while reducing voltage during standby to minimize power consumption.
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 enhances power efficiency by tailoring the output voltage to the device's mode of operation, improving performance in both standby and active states, and mimicking the functionality of multiple power supplies with a single adapter.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer input signal coupled to a transformer, the transformer comprising a primary winding coupled to the transformer input signal and a secondary winding comprising a first tap and a second tap
Data Source
AI summary
A method for a power adapter to selectively provide a first and a second output voltage may comprise coupling a rectified and filtered transformer input signal to a primary winding of a transformer. The secondary winding thereof may comprise a first tap associated with the first output voltage and a second tap associated with the second output voltage, the first and second taps being configured to be selectively coupled to and uncoupled from an output of the power adapter. The output current drawn at the output of the power adapter may then be sensed. When the sensed output current is determined to have exceeded a predetermined threshold, the output of the power adapter may be switched from the first to the second tap by uncoupling the first tap from the output of the power adapter and coupling the second tap to the output of the power adapter.