Multi-Port Power Adapter Link Voltage Control for Charging Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power adapters with multiple charging ports struggle to efficiently manage and distribute power to multiple devices due to varying voltage requirements, leading to inefficiencies in the conversion process.
Innovation Solution
The power adapter employs a shunt regulator that selects a DC link voltage based on the sensed bus voltages of multiple charging ports, optimizing the efficiency of the AC-DC and DC-DC converters by considering the overall efficiency of the power adapter system, including a feedback mechanism to adjust the link voltage dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a fixed DC link voltage is used in power adapters with multiple charging ports, then the design is simple, but the conversion efficiency deteriorates due to varying voltage requirements of different devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic DC link voltage adjustment by sensing the voltage requirements of connected devices and adapting the link voltage accordingly. The system transitions from a fixed voltage design to a dynamic voltage regulation system that responds to real-time device needs, thereby optimizing conversion efficiency across different charging scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameter of the DC link voltage from a fixed value to a variable parameter that can be adjusted based on device requirements. By implementing voltage sensing and regulation mechanisms, the system modifies the link voltage parameter to match the charging needs of connected devices, resolving the efficiency loss caused by fixed voltage design.
2Loss of energy
If the DC link voltage is optimized for one device, then efficiency for that device improves, but efficiency for other devices with different voltage requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal DC link voltage regulation system that can adapt to multiple different voltage requirements simultaneously. By implementing a sensing and regulation mechanism that monitors all connected devices, the system achieves multi-functionality in voltage management, optimizing efficiency across diverse device types rather than being specialized for a single voltage level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system senses the voltage requirements of connected devices and adjusts the DC link voltage accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that the link voltage is continuously optimized to match the actual charging needs of connected devices, resolving the contradiction between optimizing for one device versus maintaining compatibility with multiple devices.
3Productivity
If multiple DC-DC converters are used to serve multiple charging ports, then power distribution capability improves, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple DC-DC converter functions into a single regulated DC link that serves all charging ports. Instead of implementing separate converters for each port, the system consolidates the voltage regulation function at the DC link level, thereby maintaining high power distribution capability while reducing system complexity and component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a regulated DC link as an intermediary between the AC-DC converter and multiple USB charging ports. This intermediate stage acts as a universal voltage regulation point that can efficiently serve multiple devices with different voltage requirements, eliminating the need for individual converters at each port while maintaining productivity.
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 approach enhances the overall efficiency of the power adapter by optimizing the link voltage selection, balancing the efficiency of individual converters and improving power distribution to multiple devices simultaneously.
Implementation Method 1
The power adapter employs a shunt regulator that selects a DC link voltage based on the sensed bus voltages of multiple charging ports
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-port power adapters. At least one example is a method including: supplying a first bus voltage to a first device by way of a DC-DC converter coupled to a link voltage; supplying a second bus voltage to a second device by way of a second DC-DC converter coupled to the link voltage; converting an AC voltage to the link voltage by way of an AC-DC converter; selecting, by a shunt regulator, a setpoint for the link voltage based on the first bus voltage and the second bus voltage; and regulating the link voltage to the setpoint by the AC-DC converter.