Parallel Power Path Balancing for Uneven Current Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional computer system interfaces face inefficiencies in power transfer due to the need for expensive and large connectors and thicker cables to handle high current amperage, and impedance differences between paths lead to uneven current distribution, increasing costs and size requirements.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of voltage balancers and digital or analog regulators on each path between a power source and a sink, which monitor and adjust output voltage to compensate for impedance differences and ensure balanced current flow, allowing for the combination of lower-rated power pins and signal pins to enhance power capability while maintaining current within expected ranges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single path is used to transfer power between power source and sink, then the system structure is simple, but expensive and large connectors and thicker cables are required to handle high current

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structureVSAvoidconnector and cable size

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single power transfer path into multiple parallel paths (at least two paths), allowing current to be distributed across multiple connectors and cables. This segmentation enables the use of smaller, less expensive connectors and thinner cables in each individual path while maintaining the ability to transfer high total current through the combined paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Power

If multiple connector pins are combined to increase power distribution paths, then more power can be transferred, but impedance differences cause uneven current distribution requiring higher current ratings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transfer capabilityVSAvoidcurrent distribution control

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through regulators or switching elements in each path that monitor and adjust current distribution. These control elements receive feedback about the actual current flow and impedance conditions in each path, dynamically adjusting the power distribution to achieve balanced current flow despite impedance differences between paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical parameters (voltage, current, impedance) in each path independently through active regulation. By adjusting these parameters dynamically based on path conditions, the system optimizes current distribution across multiple paths, allowing lower current ratings per path while maintaining overall power transfer capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Power

If connectors and cables are designed for highest current path, then high current can be transmitted, but the connectors become expensive and larger in size

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecurrent transmission capabilityVSAvoidconnector cost and size

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the total current requirement into smaller current loads distributed across multiple paths. Each connector and cable only needs to handle a fraction of the total current, allowing the use of smaller gauge wires, smaller connectors, and less expensive components while maintaining the overall high current transmission capability of the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution enables efficient power transfer with compact system interfaces by balancing output power across paths, reducing the need for high-current-rated connectors and thicker cables, and ensuring consistent current flow, thereby addressing the inefficiencies and cost issues of conventional methods.

Implementation Method 1

any impedance difference between paths results in uneven current distribution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpedance: Electrical Impedance Tomography

Implementation Method 2

the voltage balancer monitors the input current and adjusts the output voltage from the voltage balancer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOhm's Law: Ohm's Law

Implementation Method 3

assume that the path 'B' has higher impedance vis-à-vis the path 'A'. This will result in lower voltage on path B at the sink

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS12164321B2Power and current balancing systems and associated methods thereof

Publication Date: 2024.12.10 PANASONIC AVIONICS CORP

AI summary

Methods and systems are provided for current and/or power balancing. One method includes comparing a first input current of a first regulator in a first path between a power source and a power sink with a second input current of a second regulator in a second path between the power source and the power sink; lowering an output from the first regulator, in response to the first input current being higher than the second input current; and increasing an output from the second regulator, in response to the second input current being higher than the first input current.