Load Sharing Circuitry for Data Storage Power Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Data storage devices face inefficiencies in power distribution from multiple sources, where increased demand from one source may not be effectively met by another, leading to suboptimal power utilization and potential voltage issues.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating load-sharing circuitry and power calculating circuitry to distribute current based on calculated power usage, utilizing an electronic fuse to manage voltage thresholds and convert signals for efficient power distribution between multiple power sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If current is distributed from multiple power sources without load-sharing circuitry, then power supply capacity is increased, but power distribution efficiency deteriorates due to suboptimal power utilization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply capacityVSAvoidpower distribution efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The load-sharing circuitry continuously monitors the voltage levels of multiple power sources and uses this feedback information to dynamically adjust current distribution. The circuit compares voltage thresholds and automatically redirects current flow to optimize power utilization, ensuring that power is drawn from the most efficient source at any given moment, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining high power supply capacity and improving power distribution efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static power distribution approach to a dynamic one by implementing real-time voltage monitoring and adaptive current routing. The load-sharing circuitry continuously adjusts its behavior based on changing power source conditions, enabling the system to optimize power distribution efficiency while maintaining the ability to supply power from multiple sources simultaneously or alternatively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Power

If current demand from one power source increases, then power availability is improved, but voltage stability deteriorates due to insufficient support from other power sources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower availabilityVSAvoidvoltage stability
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The load-sharing circuitry acts as an intermediary between multiple power sources and the load. It monitors voltage levels across all power sources and automatically redirects current flow from sources with higher voltage headroom to those experiencing higher demand. This mediation ensures that when one power source experiences increased current demand, other power sources can compensate by providing additional current, thereby maintaining overall voltage stability while preserving power availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the operating parameters of power distribution by adjusting current allocation based on real-time voltage measurements. When voltage levels shift in response to changing load demands, the load-sharing circuitry modifies its current distribution strategy, redirecting power flow to maintain stable voltage levels across the system, thus resolving the contradiction between power availability and voltage stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If power is distributed without calculating actual power usage, then distribution simplicity is maintained, but power utilization optimality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistribution system simplicityVSAvoidpower utilization optimality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The load-sharing circuitry implements a self-service mechanism where the power distribution system automatically calculates and responds to its own power usage conditions. By continuously monitoring voltage levels and current flow, the circuit independently determines optimal power allocation without requiring external control systems. This self-monitoring and self-adjusting capability enables the system to achieve optimal power utilization while maintaining relatively simple architecture, as the optimization intelligence is embedded directly in the power distribution circuitry itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11397623B2Data storage device load sharing
Publication Date: 2022.07.26 SEAGATE TECH LLC
  • US11397623B2 patent drawing
  • US11397623B2 patent drawing
  • US11397623B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A data storage device includes load-sharing circuitry configured to utilize a threshold for distributing current from multiple sources and modify the threshold in response to a calculated power. The data storage device further includes power calculating circuitry configured to calculate power used from the multiple sources for use by the load-sharing circuitry.