Programmable Input Power Scaling for Swappable Power Supplies
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
As computing devices become more powerful, they consume more power, which may not be sufficiently supplied by smaller power supply devices, and simply upgrading to a larger power supply is undesirable due to space, weight, and cost considerations, while existing power management systems lack flexibility in accommodating various power supply ratings and swapping scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A power monitoring system that determines a power rating for the power supply device and uses a programmable scaling device, such as a potentiometer in a voltage divider, to scale input power information, allowing for flexible monitoring and control of power supply, accommodating different ratings and enabling swapping of power supply devices without limiting the system to specific ratings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a larger power supply device is used to supply sufficient power, then the power supply capability is improved, but the space occupation, weight, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power scaling by monitoring actual power consumption and adjusting the power supply output in real-time. The power supply device operates dynamically between full capacity and scaled-down states, providing sufficient power only when needed while reducing power delivery during normal operation, thereby enabling the use of smaller, lighter power supply devices without compromising system requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the power output parameter dynamically based on monitored consumption levels. By adjusting the power delivery parameter from maximum rated power to scaled proportions, the system allows smaller power supply devices to effectively provide adequate power for the system's actual needs, resolving the contradiction between power capability and physical characteristics
2Power
If a larger power supply device is used to supply sufficient power, then the power supply capability is improved, but the space occupation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply device operates dynamically, scaling its output based on actual system needs rather than continuously operating at maximum capacity. This dynamic operation allows the use of compact power supply devices that would otherwise be insufficient, as they can deliver full power temporarily when required while maintaining small form factor for space-constrained applications
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the power output parameter from static maximum to dynamic scaled values, the system enables smaller power supply devices to meet power requirements. The power supply capability is effectively increased through parameter adjustment rather than physical size increase, reducing space occupation
3Adaptability or versatility
If power supply devices with different ratings are accommodated, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal power monitoring and scaling system that can work with power supply devices of any rating. The monitoring device universally scales power information from different power supplies to a standardized output range, enabling one monitoring system to accommodate multiple power supply types without requiring different hardware configurations, thus improving adaptability while managing complexity through standardization
Solution Approach 2:
The system handles different power supply ratings by changing scaling parameters rather than hardware configuration. The monitoring device adjusts its scaling factor based on the detected power supply rating, transforming diverse input power levels into a unified output signal range. This parameter-based adaptation allows versatility without increasing circuit complexity
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 system increases flexibility, reduces circuit complexity, and accounts for power supply device swapping, ensuring efficient power management across various ratings, thereby optimizing power usage and reducing part count.
Implementation Method 1
A voltage divider of the circuit includes a first resistance device, the variable resistance device, and the output line, the output line having a second voltage level that is lower than the first voltage level
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
In one example in accordance with the present disclosure, a power management device is described. The power monitoring device includes an input line to receive input power information from a power supply device. The input power information is indicative of a level of input power from the power supply device. A controller of the power monitoring device determines a scaling amount of the input power information based on a power rating of the power supply device. A programmable scaling device scales the input power information based on the scaling amount to generate output information and an output line passes the output information to a set of recipient devices.