Power Supply Cable Resistance Detection for Stable Laptop Charging

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Solution Overview

Problem

End users of information handling systems may experience malfunctions and safety issues due to the use of non-approved power supply cables, which can lead to inconsistent power supply and potential damage, especially when using detachable or extended cables that do not meet electrical power-handling requirements.

Innovation Solution

Implementing systems and methods to detect real-time electrical characteristics of power supply cables, such as voltage and current, and taking actions like voltage compensation, protection, and user warnings to ensure safe and reliable operation, even with non-approved cables.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If non-approved third party power supply cables are used, then user freedom and adaptability are improved, but electrical safety and reliability deteriorate due to high resistance and voltage drop

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser freedom to choose cablesVSAvoidelectrical safety and consistent operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors voltage levels at both the AC adapter side and system side, detecting voltage drops that indicate high cable resistance. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts power delivery parameters or alerts the user about unsafe cable conditions, resolving the contradiction by maintaining safety while allowing cable choice freedom.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary monitoring and control system between the AC adapter and the information handling system. This intermediary detects electrical characteristics of the cable and mediates power delivery accordingly, enabling safe operation with non-approved cables while preventing safety incidents.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If extended length power supply cables are used, then ease of operation and user convenience are improved, but voltage drop and power delivery reliability worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenience with extended cablesVSAvoidpower supply consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically changes power delivery parameters based on detected cable resistance. When extended cables with higher resistance are detected, the AC adapter adjusts output voltage and current parameters to compensate for voltage drop, maintaining reliable power delivery despite cable length.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If real-time electrical characteristic detection and voltage compensation are implemented, then power delivery reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply stabilityVSAvoiddetection and control system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-diagnosis and self-adjustment by monitoring its own electrical parameters. The AC adapter and information handling system independently detect voltage drops and adjust their operation without requiring external intervention, improving reliability while minimizing added complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If third party power supply cables are used, then adaptability is improved, but harmful effects such as burn out and safety incidents increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable compatibilityVSAvoidcable burn out and safety incidents

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system takes preliminary protective action by detecting cable resistance before dangerous conditions develop. When high resistance is detected, the system preemptively reduces power delivery or alerts the user, preventing cable burnout and safety incidents before they occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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

Ensures safe and reliable power delivery by compensating for cable resistance and preventing under-voltage protection, allowing continued use of information handling systems with non-approved cables, thereby preventing malfunctions and safety incidents.

Implementation Method 1

detect real-time electrical characteristics of one or more power supply cables... detect values of input voltage and input current... determine a value of real time DC resistance of the one or more power supply cables

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS12541236B2Systems and methods for determining electrical characteristics of power supply cable/s and taking one or more actions based on same

Publication Date: 2026.02.03 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

Systems and methods that may be implemented to determine electrical characteristic/s of one or more power supply cable/s that are coupled to supply power from a power supply to a battery-powered information handling system, and to take one or more actions based on the determined electrical characteristic/s. The disclosed systems and methods may be so implemented to detect values of input voltage and input current that are provided from the power supply cable to a battery-powered information handling system, and to take one or more actions based on these detected values of input voltage and input current, such as power supply voltage compensation, protection of the power supply, alerts to the battery-powered information handling system, and/or warnings to a user of the battery-powered information handling system.