Docking Station Power Controller for Notebook Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling the output power of an AC/DC adapter and power consumption in notebook PCs are inefficient when connected to a docking station, as they require information from both chargers, making it difficult to limit power consumption without direct access to the notebook PC's charger when it's not connected.
Innovation Solution
A function extending apparatus with an AC/DC adapter, a second charging system, and a controller that reduces power consumption of the charging systems based on threshold values, allowing the controller to manage power distribution among multiple loads without needing direct information from the notebook PC's charger.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the AC/DC adapter supplies power to multiple loads including both chargers simultaneously, then the power consumption control becomes complex requiring information from both chargers, but when the notebook PC is not connected to the docking station, it is impossible to acquire information of the charger of the notebook PC
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mediator mechanism where the docking station acts as an intermediary that can simulate or provide default charger information when the notebook PC is not connected. This allows the power consumption control to function uniformly regardless of connection state, resolving the contradiction by providing a fallback information source that simplifies operation while managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the notebook PC's charger information to be available for power control, the patent inverts the approach by allowing the docking station's charger information to serve as the primary control reference. This inversion enables power consumption control to work effectively whether or not the notebook PC is connected, simplifying the overall operation.
2Reliability
If the rated power of the AC/DC adapter is set to be larger than the sum of the total maximum power consumption of the system load and the maximum power consumption of the charger, then the battery can be charged, but the utilization rate of the AC/DC adapter decreases and the battery is overcharged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power allocation where the AC/DC adapter's power distribution is not fixed but adjusts in real-time based on actual system needs. The controller dynamically determines how much power to allocate to the system load versus the charger, ensuring the battery charges only when necessary and the adapter operates at optimal utilization rates, resolving the contradiction between charging reliability and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters dynamically - specifically, the power allocation parameters between load and charger are adjusted based on real-time conditions. When the system load approaches the adapter's rated power, the charger's power consumption is reduced or stopped, preventing overcharging while maximizing adapter utilization. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between ensuring charging capability and maintaining productivity.
3Power
If the power consumption of the charger is limited when the power consumption of the system load increases, then the AC/DC adapter's output power can be managed, but it requires measuring and comparing power consumption of both chargers which is difficult when notebook PC is not connected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the docking station to self-determine power allocation decisions without requiring external information from the notebook PC's charger. The docking station's controller uses its own charger's power consumption data and system load measurements to make autonomous power management decisions, eliminating the need to acquire information from a non-connected notebook PC charger and simplifying the detection and measurement process.
Data Source
AI summary
A function extending apparatus for receiving a portable computer is disclosed. The function extending apparatus includes an AC/DC adapter, a second charging system and a controller. The AC/DC adapter is capable of supplying power to the portable computer equipped with a system load and a first charging system having a first charger and a first battery. The second charging system of the function extending apparatus includes a second charger and a second battery. The controller reduces power consumption of the second charging system when the output power of the AC/DC adapter reaches a first threshold value. The controller reduces power consumption of the first charging system when the output power of the AC/DC adapter reaches a second threshold value, wherein the second threshold value is higher than the first threshold value.