Modular Power Supply Tester for Charger Reuse
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Solution Overview
Problem
The testing of battery-powered device chargers is challenging due to the large number of chargers, varying interfaces, and load compatibility issues, leading to many reprocessed chargers being discarded and contributing to environmental and manufacturing waste.
Innovation Solution
A modular power supply tester system that dynamically configures a load and measures performance characteristics such as voltage and current, allowing for efficient testing of chargers with interchangeable adapter and load modules, and displaying results to the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional charger testing methods are used, then testing can be performed, but the large number of chargers with varying interfaces and load compatibility issues leads to many chargers being discarded
Solution Approach 1:
The testing system is divided into modular components including interchangeable adapter modules for different charger interfaces and modular load modules for various load types. This segmentation allows the same core testing apparatus to evaluate diverse chargers without requiring complete system replacement, thereby reducing waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing system incorporates universal adapter modules that can interface with multiple charger types (e.g., AC adapters, DC adapters, USB chargers) and universal load modules that simulate various electronic device loads. This multi-functionality enables a single testing platform to evaluate all charger types, preventing discarding of chargers due to interface incompatibility.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive testing of all charger types is performed, then functionality can be accurately determined, but the complexity of handling varying interfaces and load compatibility increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamically configurable adapter and load modules that can be switched or replaced based on the specific charger being tested. Rather than having fixed, complex circuitry to handle all charger types, the modular components are dynamically selected and connected, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining comprehensive testing capability.
3Measurement precision
If manual testing procedures are used, then detailed performance characteristics can be assessed, but the large number of chargers to be processed reduces testing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The testing system automatically performs measurements and evaluations when adapter and load modules are connected to a charger. The system self-activates upon detection of proper module connection, eliminating the need for manual intervention for each testing step. This automated self-service approach maintains precise measurement capabilities while dramatically increasing processing throughput.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for testing a power supply. A power-end of the power supply is received in a power port of a power supply tester. Information about the power supply is received. A load is dynamically configured for the power supply in response to the information. The power supply tester is automatically activated to power the power supply in response to the power supply being received by the power supply tester and the load being configured. Performance characteristic of the power supply are measured. The performance characteristics of the power supply are displayed to the user indicating functionality of the power supply.