External Energy Storage Device Power State Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information handling systems without internal batteries or power management profiles struggle to manage power states effectively, particularly in scenarios where AC power is lost, as they lack the capability to communicate power state changes to the system and initiate appropriate actions such as shutdown or restart.
Innovation Solution
An external energy storage device (EESD) is configured to communicate its power state in real-time to an information handling system via a single power connection, using analog current levels or vendor-defined messaging, enabling the system to take actions like notifying users of power loss, initiating shutdown, and automatically restarting when AC power returns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate dedicated data connection (USB or serial cable) is used between UPS and PC to enable power loss notification, then the reliability of power state communication is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power delivery and data communication functions into a single connection interface. The external energy storage device uses the same power connection cable to both supply DC power to the information handling system and communicate power state information through integrated signaling mechanisms, eliminating the need for separate dedicated data cables while maintaining reliable communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The single power connection interface is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides power delivery, power state signaling, and communication capabilities. This multi-functional approach allows the same physical connection to handle both energy transfer and information exchange, reducing overall system complexity while improving integration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an external energy storage device is used to provide DC power to a fixed compute platform, then the adaptability of power supply is improved, but the power management capability deteriorates due to lack of internal battery or power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the external energy storage device continuously monitors its own power state (charge levels, AC power presence) and communicates this information back to the information handling system. This enables the system to automatically adjust operations based on available power, providing effective power management despite the absence of internal battery components.
Solution Approach 2:
The external energy storage device acts as an intermediary between the AC power source and the information handling system. It receives AC power, manages energy storage, and provides regulated DC power to the system while also serving as a communication bridge to convey power state information, effectively mediating both power and information flow.
3Reliability
If multiple connections are used between UPS and PC for power and data communication, then the reliability of power state notification is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power delivery and communication functions into a single integrated connection. The same cable that provides power also carries communication signals, eliminating the need for users to connect separate data cables and simplifying the setup process while maintaining reliable power state notification through the integrated interface.
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
This solution allows information handling systems to manage power states seamlessly, ensuring safe shutdown and automatic restart, even in the absence of internal batteries or power management profiles, by utilizing an EESD to provide DC power and communicate power state changes, thereby enhancing system reliability and user data safety.
Implementation Method 1
When the power state on the EESD changes, the EESD changes the PSID appropriately to communicate to the coupled information handling system the change in power state
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods employ an external energy storage device (e.g., intelligent battery pack) interposed between a an information handling system (IHS) and its AC-to-DC adapter. The information handling system may be a fixed compute system, may lack an internal battery and/or may execute an operating system that does not have power management capability. The external energy storage device provides power and power state information to the IHS, e.g., that is based on state of charge (SOC) of the battery and/or absence/presence of AC power. IHS may perform one or more actions based on the power state information such as automatically save data and shutdown when notified AC power is lost and/or SOC is low, and may automatically restart and restore saved data when notified AC power is restored and/or SOC is sufficiently high. The external energy storage device may actively signal or command the IHS to act or may passively supply power state information and let the IHS decide how to act. The information may be provided as different power supply identifier (PSID) values or other types of analog values corresponding to different current levels on a single conductor of a single cable between the external energy storage device and IHS, or may be included in USB vendor-defined messages sent on the single cable.