Multi-Source Power Switching Circuit for Low-Leakage Load Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power source selection methods for high power loads face challenges in efficiently switching between multiple power sources while minimizing power loss and leakage current, particularly in systems requiring high power and portability.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a controller and switching circuitry with transistors, such as FETs, to detect and selectively activate power sources, ensuring seamless transitions and minimizing leakage by using a common source configuration and energy reservoirs for continuous operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple power sources are used to supply high power loads, then power availability and operational flexibility are improved, but power loss and leakage current increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower source selection flexibilityVSAvoidpower loss and leakage current

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system is segmented into multiple independent power source channels, each with its own switching circuitry. The controller selectively activates only the required power source channel(s), preventing leakage current in inactive channels and reducing overall power loss while maintaining the ability to draw from multiple sources when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically selects and switches between different power source configurations (single power source, dual power sources, or combined modes) based on real-time power requirements and availability. This dynamic adaptation minimizes power loss by avoiding unnecessary parallel connections that would increase leakage current.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If switching circuitry is used to select between power sources, then power source flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower source switching capabilityVSAvoidswitching circuitry complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The switching circuitry is designed with universal components that can handle multiple power source types and configurations using the same basic switch structure. This multi-functional approach reduces overall device complexity compared to having separate switching mechanisms for each power source type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

A controller acts as an intermediary between the multiple power sources and the load, managing all switching decisions and circuitry operations. This centralized control simplifies the overall system architecture by consolidating complexity into a single intelligent component rather than distributing it across multiple complex switching mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If seamless transitions between power sources are achieved, then operational reliability is improved, but power loss during switching increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operation reliabilityVSAvoidswitching power loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-charging switch nodes and preparing alternate power source connections before actual switching occurs. This preliminary preparation minimizes the duration and magnitude of power loss during transitions while ensuring seamless handover between power sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The switching circuitry and control logic are designed to maintain continuous power delivery to the load during transitions. By coordinating multiple switches and using intermediate energy storage elements, the system ensures that useful action (power delivery) continues without interruption, minimizing both power loss and operational downtime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 system achieves efficient high power load switching with reduced energy consumption, lower resistance, and minimized mechanical failures, enabling reliable operation in portable and high-power applications.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of switching circuitries corresponding to the plurality of power sources, wherein each of the plurality of switching circuitries comprising at least one pair of transistors connected in a common source configuration and positioned between a positive lead of a respective one of the plurality of power sources and the high power load

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20260066693A1Power source selection control

Publication Date: 2026.03.05 QUALITY & FLOW

AI summary

A system and method for power source selection control. Multiple power sources of a power supply unit are each connected to a high power load via a plurality of switching circuitries each comprising at least one pair of transistors connected in a common source configuration and positioned between a positive lead of a respective one of the power sources and the high power load. A controller detects presence of a current flow from at least one of the power sources and accordingly selects one of power sources and activates a respective one of the plurality of switching circuitries for conducting a current flow from the respective power source selected to the high power load.