LAN Cable Power Extraction Circuit for Mobile Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern mobile computing systems face limitations in battery life due to high power requirements, necessitating frequent recharging or use of AC adapters, while network interfaces in mobile systems drain batteries when AC power is disconnected, and existing solutions like UPS do not effectively address power continuity during primary power failures.
Innovation Solution
Implementing Power Over Ethernet technology to draw power from a LAN cable, allowing the network interface and other components to be powered independently, even when AC power is not available, using a power extraction circuit that recharges the primary battery and maintains network connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the network interface is powered by the mobile system's primary power supply circuits, then the network interface can communicate with other nodes, but the rechargeable battery will eventually drain when AC power is disconnected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power supply system into two independent segments: a primary power supply circuit that draws power from AC outlets through an AC adapter, and a secondary power supply circuit that draws power from the LAN cable via Power Over Ethernet technology. This segmentation allows the network interface to be powered independently from the mobile system's battery, resolving the contradiction between maintaining network functionality and preserving battery life.
Solution Approach 2:
The LAN cable acts as an intermediary power transmission medium between the network infrastructure (switch/router) and the mobile system's network interface. Through Power Over Ethernet technology, the LAN cable carries both data signals and electrical power, enabling the network interface to be powered remotely without draining the mobile system's battery.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the system uses AC adapter and power cable to power the network interface, then the battery life is preserved, but the system requires additional accessories and infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The LAN cable is given multiple functions: it serves as both the data communication medium (Ethernet cable) and the power transmission medium (through Power Over Ethernet technology). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate AC adapters and power cables, reducing device complexity while preserving battery life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power supply function with the existing network infrastructure by implementing Power Over Ethernet technology. The AC power is brought into the network through the wall jack and delivered to the mobile system via the LAN cable, combining what were previously separate functions (AC adapter, power cable, network cable) into a single integrated system.
3Duration of action of moving object
If Power Over Ethernet technology is implemented to power the network interface from the LAN cable, then battery life is extended and AC adapter dependency is reduced, but the system requires integration of power extraction circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile system's network interface is designed to automatically detect and utilize available power sources without user intervention. The power extraction circuitry automatically switches between AC power (when available) and Power Over Ethernet power (when AC is unavailable), providing self-service power management that extends battery life without requiring complex user configuration.
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
This solution extends battery life by allowing mobile systems to operate without AC adapters and ensures continuous network connectivity and power management during primary power failures, enhancing convenience and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
Power Over Ethernet technology has emerged that allows computing appliances such as internet protocol (IP) telephones, wireless local area network (LAN) access points, and Web cameras to receive power as well as data, over existing LAN cabling
Data Source
AI summary
A system has a power consuming component, power source circuitry, and power control circuitry. The power source circuitry is to supply power from a number of different sources, including some extracted from a local area network (LAN) cable that is attached to the system. The power control circuitry is to supply the power to operate the component from all of the different sources.