Notebook Charging System Power Prioritization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Charging systems for notebook PCs face inefficiencies when connected to docking stations, as the AC/DC adapter's rated power often exceeds the sum of maximum power consumption, leading to overcharging and decreased utilization, and existing methods require measuring power consumption of both chargers, making it difficult to control power consumption without connected information.
Innovation Solution
The system controls the power consumption of chargers by setting threshold values for the AC/DC adapter's output power, allowing the charger with higher power consumption to be prioritized and adjusted based on the output power, ensuring efficient charging without direct measurement of charger power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the AC/DC adapter's rated power is set to be larger than the sum of the total maximum power consumption of the system load and the maximum power consumption of the charger, then the power consumption of system loads can be satisfied, but the utilization rate of the AC/DC adapter decreases and the battery is overcharged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the power distribution adjustable and controllable. The control unit dynamically allocates power between system loads and chargers based on detected power consumption levels. When the AC/DC adapter's output exceeds a predetermined threshold, the system automatically limits charger power consumption, transforming the static power distribution into a dynamic, adaptive system that optimizes utilization rate while preventing overcharging.
2Power
If the power consumption of the charger is limited when the power consumption of the system load increases, then the AC/DC adapter's rated power can be maintained, but it requires measuring power consumption of both chargers which is difficult when the notebook PC is not connected to the function extending apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power measurement function from the charger side and places it on the AC/DC adapter side. Instead of measuring power consumption of individual chargers (which requires connection to function extending apparatus), the system measures the output power of the AC/DC adapter directly. This extraction simplifies the measurement architecture and enables control functionality regardless of notebook PC connection status.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that receives power consumption information from the system load, compares it with predetermined thresholds, and automatically adjusts charger power limits accordingly. This intermediary mechanism enables automatic power management without requiring direct measurement of charger power consumption, simplifying the overall control architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the notebook PC is used in a mobile environment without the function extending apparatus, then the user can use the notebook PC with the battery, but the power consumption control of the charger cannot be implemented using existing methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a control system that functions in both connected and disconnected scenarios. The control unit on the notebook PC can independently manage charger power consumption by measuring AC/DC adapter output power, eliminating the requirement for function extending apparatus connection. This multi-functional design enables charging control capability across different usage environments, enhancing ease of operation in mobile scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a charging system having multiple loads is disclosed. Power is supplied from an AC/DC adapter to a first charger, a second charger, and system loads. The first charger is operated at a setting value having smaller power consumption than a setting value necessary for a first battery pack when output power of a power source reaches a first threshold value during a time when the first battery pack is required to be charged in a standard charging mode. The first charger is operated at a setting value according to a specific charging mode even when the output power of the power source reaches the first threshold value during a time when the first battery pack is required to be charged in the specific charging mode. A second charger is operated at a setting value having smaller power consumption than a setting value necessary for a second battery pack when the output power of the power source reaches a second threshold value larger than the first threshold value.