Passive Identification Circuit for Standby-Free Power Saving

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power distribution units (PDUs) fail to reliably predict when peripheral devices are not in use, leading to inconsistent energy consumption, as they rely on unpredictable docking stations or require long-term energy storage, which can be inefficient and environmentally harmful.

Innovation Solution

A power saving device with a passive circuit to identify connected devices, an energy storage unit using capacitors, and an active circuit with a controller to manage power distribution, allowing devices to turn on without long-term storage and stand-by states, using capacitors like supercapacitors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a PDU relies on docking stations to detect device presence, then the PDU can automatically control power distribution, but the docking station behavior is unpredictable and unreliable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic power controlVSAvoiddevice presence detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a passive identification circuit as an intermediary between the external device and the PDU. This circuit contains identification information that can be detected by the PDU without requiring the external device to be actively powered on or connected through a docking station. The intermediary circuit enables reliable device presence detection independent of docking station behavior.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The passive identification circuit is self-contained and does not require power from the PDU or external device to function. It automatically provides identification information when connected, enabling the PDU to detect device presence without relying on active communication protocols or powered components from either side.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a PDU uses long-term energy storage to maintain stand-by state, then it can reliably detect device connection, but it increases cost and environmental impact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice connection detectionVSAvoidstand-by power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of maintaining continuous stand-by power, the system uses periodic detection of the passive identification circuit only when needed (when a device is connected). The PDU detects the identification information through the connection itself, then can completely power down, eliminating continuous energy consumption while maintaining detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces expensive long-term energy storage components (batteries) with a simple passive identification circuit that requires no power. The system accepts brief power input from the connected device just long enough to detect the identification circuit, then can operate without continuous power supply.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Loss of energy

If a PDU removes all power to save energy, then energy consumption is minimized, but the PDU cannot identify connected devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddevice identification

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The passive identification circuit is pre-configured with identification information that remains detectable even when no power is supplied. When a device connects, the PDU can immediately detect the pre-existing identification information without needing to power up any components first, enabling identification before full power distribution begins.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary 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 device effectively turns off peripheral devices when not in use, saving energy without long-term storage, being environmentally friendly and cost-effective, and maintaining device connectivity without the need for continuous power supply.

Implementation Method 1

an energy storage unit (12), configured to receive power from the first external electronic device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP4687008A1Power saving device

Publication Date: 2026.02.04 MAINS SOLUTIONS BV

Figure 1
Figure 2

AI summary

The present application concerns a power saving device. Said device comprises a passive circuit, an energy storage unit, and an active circuit. The a passive circuit is configured to identify the power saving device to a first external electronic device as a device to which power should be provided. When the power saving device is in an off-state, connecting the first external electronic device to the power saving device, connects the first external electronic device to the passive circuit. The energy storage unit is configured to receive power from the first external electronic device. The active circuit is configured to receive power from the energy storage unit and comprises a controller. The controller is configured to control an electrically controllable switch, such as a relay, to provide power to a second external electronic device and to disconnect the passive circuit from the first external electronic device.