Portable DC Power Supply With Automatic AC-Battery Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power supply systems, such as AC adapters, are limited by the need to be connected to an AC supply and are often proprietary, leading to power interruptions when not plugged in and requiring multiple adapters for incompatible devices.
Innovation Solution
A portable power supply system with an AC-to-DC converter, a battery charging circuit, and power source switching circuit that provides power from both AC and battery sources to DC outlets, allowing continuous operation and compatibility with multiple devices through USB-compatible connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an AC adapter is used to power portable electronic devices, then the device can operate with stable power supply, but the system requires constant connection to AC supply and causes portability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the AC adapter functionality with a portable power supply (battery) into a single integrated unit. The housing contains both the AC-to-DC converter circuitry and a rechargeable battery, allowing the device to function as both an AC adapter and a portable power source, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliable power supply and portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply system dynamically switches between AC power input and battery power based on availability. When AC power is available, the system uses it; when AC power is unavailable, the system automatically transitions to battery power, providing continuous reliable operation while maintaining portability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple proprietary AC adapters are used for different devices, then each device can be powered appropriately, but the system complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal AC adapter with a plurally selectable output connector assembly that can be configured to match different device input connectors (e.g., USB-C, Lightning, barrel connectors). This single multi-functional adapter can power multiple different types of portable electronic devices, eliminating the need for multiple proprietary adapters and reducing system complexity.
3Duration of action of moving object
If both AC and battery power sources are integrated, then continuous power supply is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery is pre-charged during AC power availability and automatically takes over when AC power is interrupted. The system performs preliminary battery charging when AC power is present, so that when AC power fails, the battery is already charged and ready to provide continuous power without interruption or requiring complex real-time power management.
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
Enables continuous power supply without the need for constant AC connection and reduces complexity by using only DC outputs, enhancing portability and compatibility with various devices.
Implementation Method 1
the received AC power is then conveyed through appropriate wiring (often, one to several feet in length) to an AC-to-DC converter 112 that comprises circuitry configured to convert the AC voltage into direct current (DC) power suitable for powering the device 102
Implementation Method 2
The AC-to-DC converter 112 comprises a transformer 120, such as a step-down transformer, suitable for converting the higher voltage AC power to a lower voltage more suitable for powering the device 102
Implementation Method 3
The AC output of the transformer 120 is applied to a rectifier 122 that, as known in the art, converts the AC input (i.e., half-waves of positive and negative polarity) to a varying DC output (i.e., a single positive or negative polarity)
Implementation Method 4
The conditioning circuitry 124 may comprise one or more filters, such as a capacitor, that are applied to the varying DC voltage to perform initial smoothing thereon
Implementation Method 5
A battery charging circuit is supported by the housing and operatively connected to the AC-to-DC converter, and a battery is supported by the housing and operatively connected to the battery charging circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A portable power supply system comprises a housing that supports a battery charging circuit that is operatively connected to the AC-to-DC converter, and a battery, supported by the housing, is operatively connected to the battery charging circuit. One or more power outlets are supported by the housing, where each of the power outlets comprises only DC power output. A power source switching circuit is supported by the housing and operatively connected to the AC-to-DC converter, the battery and the power outlets. The power source switching circuit is configured to provide power from the AC-to-DC converter to the power outlets when an input to the AC-to-DC converter is energized, and to provide power from the battery to the power outlets when the input to the AC-to-DC converter is de-energized.