IHS Power Adapter Decoupling for Lower Rated Adapters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Information handling systems (IHS) cannot operate when a power adapter with a lower power rating than the system's rating is used, leading to situations where the IHS remains inoperable due to the unavailability of a suitable power adapter.

Innovation Solution

The IHS detects a power adapter with a lower power rating and, upon a power-on request, decouples the adapter, allowing the system to draw power from its internal battery, ensuring operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a power adapter with a power rating lower than the IHS power rating is used, then the power adapter is available for use, but the IHS cannot operate with the power adapter

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with power adaptersVSAvoidoperational reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between power sources based on availability and suitability. When a lower-rated power adapter is detected, the system automatically transitions from relying on the adapter to using the internal battery, and vice versa when a suitable adapter is available. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the power supply system flexible rather than static.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The internal battery acts as an intermediary power source that bridges the gap between the IHS and the lower-rated power adapter. Instead of directly connecting the IHS to the inadequate adapter, the battery serves as a mediator that supplements the insufficient power, allowing the system to operate reliably even when the adapter cannot provide sufficient power alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the IHS is designed to require a power adapter with a specific power rating, then the system operates reliably with the correct adapter, but the system cannot function when only a lower-rated adapter is available

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem operation reliabilityVSAvoidflexibility with different power adapters

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple power scenarios. The internal battery serves dual purposes: it acts as the primary power source when no adapter is connected and as a supplemental power source when a lower-rated adapter is available. This universal design allows the system to maintain reliable operation across different power adapter configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes its power supply parameters dynamically based on the detected adapter rating. When a lower-rated adapter is detected, the system alters its power consumption parameters and switches to battery-powered operation. This parameter adaptation allows the system to maintain reliable operation despite the change in power adapter capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the system automatically switches to battery power when a lower-rated adapter is detected, then the IHS remains operational, but additional detection and control mechanisms are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to operate with lower-rated adaptersVSAvoidpower management system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power management system performs self-service by automatically detecting the power adapter rating and making decisions about power source selection without requiring external intervention. The system monitors its own power supply status and autonomously switches between the power adapter and internal battery based on detected conditions, reducing the need for complex external control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms to monitor the power adapter rating and system power status continuously. This feedback information is used to automatically adjust power source selection and consumption parameters. The closed-loop feedback control enables the system to adapt to changing power conditions while maintaining operational reliability without requiring overly complex manual control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 the IHS to function by switching to battery power when a lower-rated power adapter is available, ensuring continued functionality in situations where a suitable adapter is not present.

Implementation Method 1

the IHS receives power from a battery included by the IHS

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentUS7583055B2Information handling system capable of operating with a power adapter having a power rating lower than the information handling system's power rating

Publication Date: 2009.09.01 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

In response to detecting that a power adapter, having a first power rating lower than a second power rating of an information handling system (“IHS”), is coupled to the IHS and in response to a request indicating that the IHS is to be powered on, the power adapter is decoupled from the IHS so that the IHS receives power from a battery included by the IHS.