Ni-MH Power Module for All-in-One PC Instant-On Standby
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supply solutions for all-in-one PCs, such as Li-ion cells and UPS systems, are limited by high cost, size, and safety concerns, and fail to provide instant-on capability with long-time standby without alternating power.
Innovation Solution
A power saving device using Ni-MH cells with high power density, small size, and low cost, integrated with a charge circuit, converter circuit, and controller, which allows for flexible power sourcing and instant-on functionality even after extended standby periods by converting alternating power to supply power to the computer's motherboard.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If Li-ion cells are used as power supply, then power capacity can be increased, but cost increases and safety concerns arise requiring additional protection circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive Li-ion cells with disposable alkaline batteries that are cheaper, safer, and do not require complex protection circuits. The alkaline batteries provide sufficient power for the standby function without the safety and cost issues of Li-ion cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power supply parameters by switching from high-capacity but problematic Li-ion cells to lower-capacity but safer and cheaper alkaline batteries. This parameter change resolves the contradiction between power capacity and device complexity/safety.
2Reliability
If UPS system is used for backup power, then uninterrupted power supply is provided, but the system becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential backup power function from a full UPS system, using simple alkaline batteries instead of a complete UPS apparatus. This provides uninterrupted power supply capability while eliminating the cumbersome nature of traditional UPS systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses disposable alkaline batteries instead of a complex UPS system, achieving backup power functionality with a much simpler, smaller, and more affordable solution that does not require maintenance or complex circuitry.
3Loss of energy
If alternating power is cut for long period, then power saving mode is activated, but instant-on capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by charging the alkaline batteries in advance during normal operation. This pre-charging enables the system to maintain instant-on capability even after long periods of power cutoff, resolving the contradiction between power saving and instant-on readiness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the power module to automatically charge the alkaline batteries during normal operation without user intervention. This self-service charging mechanism ensures that power is replenished during standby, maintaining both low power consumption and instant-on capability.
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
Enables flexible and expandable power supply with instant-on capability and long-time standby, reducing power consumption and enhancing the usability of all-in-one PCs by using pre-charged Ni-MH cells to maintain memory and memory controller power during power saving modes.
Implementation Method 1
The power module (11) includes a plurality of Ni-MH cells
Implementation Method 2
The converter circuit (13) connects to the power module (11) for converting and outputting the voltage of the power module (11) to the computer (20)
Data Source
AI summary
A power saving device is configured in an all-in-one PC and has a power module expandably composed of a plurality of Ni-MH cells linked up either in series connection or in parallel connection. When an external alternating power provides power supply for the PC, a charging circuit of the power saving device charges the power module. When the alternating power is out or the PC is operated to enter a power saving mode, a controller of the power saving device notifies the PC to enter the power saving mode, while the power module provides power for the memory and memory controller of the PC with low power consumption. The all-in-one PC consumes little power while in power saving mode and is capable of restoring to its normal mode in short time. The power saving device enhances the all-in-one PC with features of instant-on, long-time standby, and backup power provision.