Docking Station Power Apportioning via Display Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing docking stations often face power deficits when supporting multiple devices, leading to reduced performance and throttling of Information Handling Systems (IHS) due to limited power distribution, as they must allocate power between their own operations and the IHS, often resulting in insufficient power for both.
Innovation Solution
The docking station incorporates a power circuit that receives DC power from an external source and an I/O port that can harness supplemental power from an external display, allowing the controller to apportion this power between its own operations and the IHS, enabling negotiated power delivery to the IHS without throttling, using USB-C ports and AC adapters for efficient power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the docking station allocates power between its own operations and the IHS, then the docking station can support its own operations, but the IHS receives insufficient power leading to throttling
Solution Approach 1:
The docking station's I/O port is designed to serve multiple functions: it can connect external displays for video output and simultaneously accept DC power input from the same port. This multi-functionality allows the display to serve dual purposes as both an output device and a power source, resolving the contradiction between powering the IHS and maintaining docking station operations.
2Productivity
If the docking station uses limited power for its own operations, then the docking station remains functional, but the IHS performance is reduced due to power deficits
Solution Approach 1:
The external display connected to the docking station provides power to the system without requiring additional external power sources. The display essentially serves itself by providing power to the docking station and IHS while being connected, eliminating the need for the docking station to throttle IHS performance due to power constraints.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the docking station supports multiple devices, then the docking station increases versatility, but power distribution becomes insufficient for all devices
Solution Approach 1:
The I/O port is designed to handle multiple functions simultaneously including video output to external displays and DC power input from the same port. This allows the docking station to support multiple devices while the connected display contributes power to the system, ensuring sufficient power distribution across all connected devices.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and method are provided in which docking stations provide power to an Information Handling System (IHS) that is coupled to the docking station and provide the IHS with access to I/O (Input/Output) devices coupled to the docking station. Docking stations include a power circuit receiving a supply of DC power from an external power source. Docking stations also include a docking port used by the docking station to supply DC power to the docked IHS. Docking stations also include an I/O port the receives a connection from an external display, where a DC power input is received via the I/O port from the coupled external display. A controller of the docking station apportions the DC power input received from the coupled external display between operations of the docking station and the DC power supplied to the IHS via the docking port.