External Power Adapter Architecture for AC-Powered Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing low to moderate power-consuming electronic devices that use AC power is complex, costly, and subject to regulatory scrutiny, whereas battery-powered devices require frequent replacements and are limited in power capacity.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising electronic circuitry and an external power adapter that converts AC power from a conventional outlet to a low-voltage DC output, eliminating the need for internal power supplies and reducing complexity and regulatory burdens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If AC power is used to power low to moderate power-consuming devices, then power delivery capability is improved, but device complexity and regulatory burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power supply function from the electronic device itself and places it in a separate external adapter. The adapter contains the AC-to-DC conversion circuitry, while the electronic device only needs a simple power receptacle. This separation eliminates the need for complex internal power supply components, safety certifications for the device, and reduces bill of materials costs while maintaining adequate power delivery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply system is segmented into two independent parts: an external power adapter that handles AC power conversion and an electronic device that consumes power. This segmentation allows the device to be simplified while the adapter handles the complexity of AC power regulation, safety compliance, and power conversion.
2Device complexity
If batteries are used to power electronic devices, then design complexity and material costs are reduced, but power capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable external power adapter that is inexpensive to manufacture and replace. Rather than investing in expensive, high-capacity batteries, the system uses a low-cost adapter that can be easily replaced if needed. This approach provides adequate power capacity for low to moderate consuming devices without the complexity and cost of battery management systems.
3Power
If AC power supplies are integrated into electronic devices, then power delivery is sufficient, but safety certification requirements increase cost and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the AC power input and safety-critical components from the electronic device and places them in an external adapter. This eliminates the need for the device to undergo costly safety certifications for AC power handling, while still providing sufficient power delivery through the adapter's integrated power supply components.
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 efficient and cost-effective powering of low to moderate power-consuming devices using AC power, reducing the need for frequent battery replacements and simplifying the design and certification process.
Implementation Method 1
an external power adapter that converts AC power from a conventional outlet to a low-voltage DC output
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device lacking an internal power supply comprises electronic circuitry, an external power adapter having an input connector for receiving AC power from a conventional AC power outlet and for providing a low-voltage output signal to an output connector, and a first port electronically coupled to the electronic circuitry for receiving the low-voltage output signal from the output connector of the power adapter and for providing the low-voltage output signal to the electronic circuitry.