External Power Supply with Processor-Controlled Relays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power supply units for electronic devices are limited in size reduction due to their large circuit components, leading to low energy efficiency and heat generation issues.
Innovation Solution
A power supply apparatus with a processor-controlled relay system that manages power supply through a first and second relay, line filter, rectifier, power factor correction unit, and optional third relay for discharge, optimizing power management and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional power supply unit with large circuit components (such as transformer) is used, then the power supply can provide sufficient power, but the size of the electronic device cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power supply function from the main electronic device by providing a separate external power supply device. This removes the bulky transformer and other large circuit components from the electronic device itself, allowing the device to be made smaller while still providing sufficient power through the external unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply system is segmented into separate functional units: the external power supply device containing the transformer and main circuitry, and the internal power board within the electronic device. This segmentation allows the large components to be located in the external device while the internal device remains compact.
2Volume of moving object
If a separate external power supply device is used to reduce size, then the electronic device can be made smaller, but energy efficiency decreases and heat is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the power supply system through a processor that monitors connection status and power on/off signals. The relay is dynamically switched based on these conditions, allowing the system to optimize power transmission and reduce energy losses by controlling when power is supplied and how it is transmitted through the connection cable.
3Volume of moving object
If a separate external power supply device is used to reduce size, then the electronic device can be made smaller, but heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the power supply function to an external device, the heat-generating components (transformer, rectifier, power factor correction circuit) are physically separated from the main electronic device. The heat is generated in the external power supply device rather than inside the compact electronic device, effectively managing thermal issues.
4Loss of energy
If relay switching is implemented for power control, then power consumption is reduced and safety is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply device provides self-service through automatic relay control based on connection detection. When the power supply device is connected to the electronic device, the processor automatically detects this connection and controls the relay to switch between different power transmission modes, reducing the need for complex user intervention or additional control circuits.
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
The solution reduces power consumption, enhances safety by controlling current flow, and prevents electric shock by automatically discharging accumulated charges, thereby improving energy efficiency and reducing heat generation.
Implementation Method 1
a line filter configured to remove noise with respect to power which is input from outside
Implementation Method 2
a rectifier configured to rectify power which is output from the line filter
Implementation Method 3
a power factor correction unit configured to correct power factor of power which is output from the rectifier
Implementation Method 4
a first relay and a second relay which are turned on and off to control power supply
Implementation Method 5
a third relay to discharge electric charges accumulated in the power supply apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply apparatus is disclosed. The power supply apparatus to supply power to an electronic apparatus includes a first relay and a second relay which are turned on and off to control power supply with respect to the electronic apparatus, and a processor configured to control a switching operation of the first relay and the second relay based on at least one of a connection detection signal indicating connection of the power supply apparatus and the electronic apparatus, and a power on/off signal indicating a power on/off command with respect to the electronic apparatus.