Modular Power Supply with Stacked Expansion Units
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power supplies for gaming computers are typically single-function, inflexible, and lack additional features such as adjustable voltage, liquid cooling, and uninterruptible power, failing to meet the diverse and evolving performance requirements of esports gamers.
Innovation Solution
A modular power supply design featuring a power supply unit and an expansion unit that can be vertically stacked, with a support frame for enhanced structural strength, allowing for interchangeable modules such as fans, liquid cooling devices, batteries, or additional power supply units to provide enhanced functionalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional single-function power supplies are used, then the device structure is simple and manufacturing cost is low, but the adaptability and additional functionalities are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is divided into a base power supply unit and separate functional expansion units. Each expansion unit provides specific additional functions (liquid cooling, voltage adjustment, uninterruptible power) that can be independently attached or removed, allowing the system to adapt to different needs without permanently increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The base power supply unit is designed with a universal connection interface that can accommodate multiple types of expansion units. This universal design allows a single power supply unit to perform multiple functions by simply changing the attached expansion unit, thereby improving adaptability without requiring multiple different power supply designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional functional modules are added to power supplies, then adaptability and functionalities are improved, but installation complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the power supply into modular units with standardized interfaces, each component can be manufactured independently using optimized processes. The base unit and expansion units can be produced separately and assembled through simple attachment mechanisms, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost compared to integrating all functions into a single monolithic unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion units are designed to attach to and nest around the base power supply unit, with compact form factors that minimize space requirements. This nesting approach allows multiple functional units to be integrated without proportionally increasing the overall device volume or manufacturing complexity.
3Ease of operation
If conventional power supplies without modular design are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but installation flexibility and configurability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The modular architecture divides the power supply into independently installable components. Users can install only the expansion units needed for their specific application, simplifying the installation process for basic needs while providing the option to add complexity later if required.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply configuration is made dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. Users can change the functional capabilities of their power supply by attaching or removing expansion units as needs change, providing installation flexibility without permanently committing to a complex configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular power supply is disclosed. The modular power supply includes a power supply unit and an expansion unit. The expansion unit is detachably disposed on the power supply unit and located on one side of the power supply unit in a thickness direction of the modular power supply.