Dual-Module Variable Voltage Power Supply for Charger Consolidation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The proliferation of diverse electronic devices requires multiple chargers with different voltage outputs, leading to inconvenience, weight issues, and environmental concerns due to the production of numerous chargers with varying voltages.

Innovation Solution

A power supply device with variable output voltage capabilities, featuring two power supply modules and a controller that selectively outputs voltage control signals to convert input power into multiple voltage outputs, allowing for parallel operation and efficient voltage selection based on user requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple chargers with different voltage outputs are produced to accommodate diverse electronic devices, then the adaptability to different devices is improved, but the device complexity and environmental impact worsen due to proliferation of chargers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage output adaptabilityVSAvoidcharger proliferation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply device is designed with multiple power supply modules (first power supply module with first power conversion circuit, second power supply module with second power conversion circuit) that can output different voltage values. The controller selectively enables different modules based on the voltage requirement signal from the electronic device, allowing a single charger to universally support multiple voltage requirements (e.g., 5V, 9V, 12V, 20V, 28V, 36V, 48V).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply device dynamically switches between different power supply modules based on real-time voltage requirements. The controller receives voltage requirement signals from connected devices and dynamically enables the appropriate power supply module, making the charger adaptable rather than static. This dynamic switching capability allows the same hardware to serve multiple functions without requiring physical replacement of chargers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple chargers are carried to charge different electronic devices, then the adaptability is improved, but the weight of moving object increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging compatibilityVSAvoidcharger weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply device integrates multiple power supply modules within a single charger unit, enabling it to provide various voltage outputs (5V, 9V, 12V, 20V, 28V, 36V, 48V) to accommodate different electronic devices. Users only need to carry this one multi-functional charger instead of multiple separate chargers, significantly reducing the total weight while maintaining full charging compatibility across all device types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If repeated replacement of chargers is performed for charging different electronic devices, then the adaptability is improved, but the loss of time increases due to replacement operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice-specific chargingVSAvoidcharger replacement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The controller dynamically selects and enables the appropriate power supply module based on the voltage requirement signal received from the connected electronic device. This dynamic adaptation eliminates the need for manual charger replacement, as the system automatically configures itself to match the device's charging requirements within milliseconds, saving significant time during device switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply device performs self-configuration by automatically detecting the voltage requirements of connected devices through voltage requirement signals and enabling the appropriate power supply module without user intervention. This self-service capability eliminates the manual time-consuming process of selecting and replacing chargers, as the system autonomously adapts to each device's needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If chargers of all different kinds are produced in mass to meet different voltage needs, then the adaptability is improved, but the loss of substance increases due to environmental protection issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage varietyVSAvoidcharger waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply device incorporates multiple power supply modules capable of outputting various voltage values (5V, 9V, 12V, 20V, 28V, 36V, 48V) within a single unit. This multi-functional design replaces the need for mass-producing multiple single-function chargers, thereby reducing material consumption and electronic waste while maintaining the ability to serve diverse voltage requirements across different electronic devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 a single power supply device to accommodate various electronic devices by providing multiple voltage outputs with improved conversion efficiency, reducing the need for multiple chargers and minimizing environmental impact.

Implementation Method 1

The first power conversion circuit converts an input power to a first output power according to the first voltage control signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPower conversion:

Implementation Method 2

The second power conversion circuit converts the input power to a second output power according to the second voltage control signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPower conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS11762404B2Power supply device having variable output voltage
Publication Date: 2023.09.19 SPI ELECTRONICS
  • US11762404B2 patent drawing
  • US11762404B2 patent drawing
  • US11762404B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A power supply device having variable output voltage includes a controller, and a first power supply module and a second power supply module connected in parallel. The controller selectively outputs a first voltage control signal and a first switch control signal to the first power supply module, or outputs a second voltage control signal and a second switch control signal to the second power supply module according to a voltage requirement signal. An output power of the first power supply module has a first voltage value selected from a first voltage value set, an output power of the second power supply module has a second voltage value selected from a second voltage value set, and a minimum value of the first voltage value set is greater than a maximum value of the second voltage value set. Thus, more extensive voltage output capabilities are provided, and good power conversion efficiency is achieved at the same time.