Electronic Device External Power Supply Control Method

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic devices require users to separately switch on both the device and its external power supply, leading to inconvenient power management and unnecessary power consumption when the device is in standby or off state.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a switch module and internal power module that generates a switch signal to trigger the external power supply to switch from an OFF to an ON state, allowing the device to control the power supply directly, reducing power consumption and eliminating the need for separate switching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the power supply device is kept ON to ensure immediate power supply to the electronic device, then the power supply responsiveness is improved, but the power consumption increases unnecessarily when the device is in standby or off state

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply responsivenessVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic device performs preliminary actions by detecting its own power state and proactively controlling the power supply device's ON/OFF state. Before the user needs power, the system already has the power supply device in the appropriate state, eliminating the need for it to remain continuously ON while consuming power during standby periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic device serves itself by autonomously controlling the power supply device based on its own operational state. The device monitors its own power requirements and automatically adjusts the power supply device accordingly, eliminating unnecessary power consumption without requiring user intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If the user manually switches on both the electronic device and the external power supply device, then the power supply control is simple and reliable, but the operation convenience deteriorates due to requiring separate switching

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply control reliabilityVSAvoidswitching operation convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control functions for the electronic device and the power supply device are merged into a single integrated control system. The electronic device's control unit simultaneously manages both its own operation and the power supply device's state, allowing the user to control both devices through a single action rather than separate switching operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic device is given multi-functionality by enabling it to not only process data and perform computations but also to control the power supply device. This universal control capability allows the device to adapt to different power states and operational modes while maintaining reliable power supply control.

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

3Use of energy by moving object

If the electronic device controls the external power supply device to switch OFF when not needed, then the power consumption is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to additional control circuitry

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcontrol circuitry complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Existing control circuitry within the electronic device is leveraged to perform dual functions: managing the device's own operations and controlling the power supply device. By giving the control unit multi-functionality, no additional dedicated control circuitry is required, thus avoiding increased device complexity while still achieving power consumption reduction.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic device uses its own internal resources and control capabilities to manage the power supply device, rather than requiring external or additional specialized control systems. This self-service approach minimizes added complexity by reusing existing components for multiple purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8115346B2Electronic device and external power supply device control method applicable thereto
Publication Date: 2012.02.14 ACER INC
  • US8115346B2 patent drawing
  • US8115346B2 patent drawing
  • US8115346B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic device and an external power supply device control method applicable to the electronic device are disclosed. The electronic device is electrically connected to an external power supply device that is able to switch between an ON state and an OFF state. The electronic device includes a switch module and an internal power module. The switch module, when being triggered, generates a switch signal. The internal power module receives the switch signal and accordingly generates a trigger signal to the external power supply device, so that the external power supply device is triggered to switch from the OFF state to the ON state and accordingly supplies electric power to the electronic device.