Modular Computer Power Supply Assembly for Heat and Cable Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power supply units (PSUs) face challenges such as increased heat generation, complex cable management, and limited upgradability due to their non-modular design and heat dissipation issues.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a power supply assembly (PSA) with a moveable and interchangeable DC/DC converter module, which is connected to an AC/DC power supply unit via a conducting bridge. This design allows for detachable power cables, improved air-cooling efficiency, and easier upgradability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional non-modular PSUs with permanently attached power cables are used, then power supply functionality is provided, but cable management complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply unit is divided into modular components: a main PSU body and detachable power cable assemblies. Each power cable can be independently attached or detached from the PSU, allowing users to segment the cable management task into manageable portions and store excess cables separately, thereby reducing cable management complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The power cables are designed with dynamic attachment and detachment capabilities through standardized connectors. This allows the cable configuration to be dynamically adjusted based on specific installation needs, enabling flexible cable management and reducing overall complexity.
2Ease of operation
If modular PSUs with detachable power cables are used, then cable management is simplified, but power cable standardization is lacking which increases maintenance time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal standardized connectors that work across different power cable types and PSU models. This universality allows any compatible power cable to be used with any PSU, significantly reducing maintenance time as cables can be quickly swapped without requiring model-specific matching or specialized tools.
3Power
If larger size PSUs with end connectors are used, then power supply capacity is increased, but installation problems occur due to extra length
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into a compact PSU body and separate power cable assemblies. This segmentation allows the PSU to maintain a small footprint for easy installation while the power cables can be extended or routed as needed to achieve the required power delivery capacity without increasing the PSU's physical size.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional PSUs with multiple power cables are used, then power distribution to multiple components is enabled, but air-cooling efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the power distribution into a compact PSU and detachable cables, the design creates more spatial separation and airflow channels within the computer case. The cables can be routed to minimize obstruction of air flow paths, allowing multiple components to receive power while maintaining better air-cooling efficiency compared to traditional bulkier PSU designs.
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 modular design of the PSA reduces heat buildup and noise, simplifies cable management, and allows for flexible positioning of the DC/DC converter module, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency and maintainability of the power supply system.
Implementation Method 1
a conducting bridge
Implementation Method 2
Fans 152 or more exotic cooling solutions are used to cool the components
Data Source
AI summary
A computer power supply assembly (PSA) is provided. The PSA comprises an AC/DC power supply unit (PSU) and a DC/DC converter module. The DC/DC converter module is attached to the AC/DC power supply unit via conductor which may be a conductive bridge that holds the AC/DC PSU in fixed relation to the DC/DC converter module, or may be a conductive cable with, for example, a twist connector. The DC/DC converter module is replaceable and interchangeable. Different types of DC/DC converter modules having different numbers and combinations of connectors for attachment to the electronics system devices and different wattage and efficiency can be electrically connected to the PSU via the one conductor.