Integrated Backup Unit for PC Power Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) require external devices and are not cost-effective for providing backup power to personal computers during AC power failures, leading to potential data loss and component damage.
Innovation Solution
An integrated backup unit (URI) that combines components of a PC's power supply with typical UPS components, eliminating the need for external UPS devices by using a battery charger, 12-volt battery, DC/DC voltage converter, and voltage failure detection circuit to provide direct backup power to the PC.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional external UPS is used to provide backup power, then backup functionality is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the backup power functionality with the existing PC power supply unit by integrating a battery charger circuit and DC/DC converter into the PC's internal power supply. This merging eliminates the need for a separate external UPS device, reducing system complexity while maintaining backup power capability. The battery charger charges a 12V battery that serves as the backup power source, and the DC/DC converter transforms this battery voltage to the required 340VDC for the PC components.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both the primary AC/DC converter and incorporates a battery charger circuit for backup power. The same power supply chassis and control circuitry are used for both normal operation and backup mode, making the system multi-functional and eliminating the need for dedicated backup equipment.
2Reliability
If a conventional external UPS is used to provide backup power, then backup functionality is achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the backup power functions into the existing PC power supply unit, the patent eliminates the need to manufacture and purchase a separate UPS device. The battery charger circuit and DC/DC converter are integrated into the power supply assembly that is already present in every PC, reducing overall system cost while maintaining backup capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The PC power supply unit serves itself by incorporating a battery charger that automatically charges a 12V battery during normal operation. This self-service approach allows the system to maintain its own backup power capability without requiring external UPS equipment, reducing both manufacturing and purchasing costs.
3Loss of energy
If AC power fails, then power saving is achieved, but PC components stop working causing data loss
Solution Approach 1:
The battery charger circuit continuously charges a 12V battery during normal AC power operation, preparing the backup power source in advance. When AC power fails, this pre-charged battery immediately activates through the DC/DC converter to provide 340VDC to the PC components, ensuring continuous operation and preventing data loss without requiring any user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated backup system ensures continuous power delivery to PC components by seamlessly switching from AC input to battery power when AC fails. The DC/DC converter maintains the required 340VDC output level from the battery, allowing the PC to continue operating normally during the transition and throughout the backup period, preventing interruptions that would cause data loss.
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 URI offers a lower-cost, effective backup solution that maintains PC component functionality during power outages by integrating with the PC's power supply, allowing automatic shutdown and continued operation of the PC's components using non-regulated voltage, reducing the risk of data loss and physical damage.
Implementation Method 1
A battery charger 10 of 120 VAC to 12 VDC
Implementation Method 2
A DC/DC voltage converter 20... Voltage from the 12-volt battery 15 is then increased to a voltage of 340 VDC by the DC/DC converter 20
Implementation Method 3
A circuit-sensor 25 of voltage failures on the power grid outlet (120 VAC)... Its role is sending an electronic signal to the personal computer 35 when a voltage failure occurs
Data Source
AI summary
This descriptive document is about a new backup device that takes advantage of the components of a PC's conventional power supply and it combines them with additional typical electronic components from an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). The result of such combination is a lower cost backup function that is applied directly to the PC and, therefore, eliminates the requirement of external devices—such as a UPS—to perform this backup function.In this document, the electronic components that combine with the PC's power supply in order to provide the backup functionality described above are referred to as integrated backup unit (URI).