Port Power Management with Cable Motion Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Information handling systems face challenges in providing stable power due to high power consumption variance, limited space for power management components, and user confusion regarding power sources, leading to unpredictable power surges and system crashes.

Innovation Solution

A power manager system that monitors and optimizes power sources through multiple ports, including USB Type C and DisplayPort, to ensure seamless power transfer by matching impedance and adapting to changes in power configurations, providing a user interface to guide end users in optimal power selection and management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If multiple power sources are connected through data ports (USB Type C, DisplayPort), then power delivery capability is improved, but user confusion about which port provides power increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower delivery capabilityVSAvoiduser understanding of power sources

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by monitoring which data ports are providing power and communicating this information back to the user through the operating system. The power manager detects power source connections and provides real-time information about which ports are active power sources, allowing users to understand the current power configuration and make informed decisions about cable connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If thin housing is used for portability, then mobility is improved, but space for power management components (capacitors, battery) decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemobilityVSAvoidspace for power management components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies multi-functionality by using data ports (USB Type C, DisplayPort) that serve dual purposes: both data transmission and power delivery. This eliminates the need for dedicated power ports and associated power management components, allowing thin housing design while still providing robust power delivery capabilities through the same physical interfaces used for data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the power delivery function with existing data ports, combining two separate functions (data transmission and power delivery) into a single interface. This consolidation reduces the need for separate power management hardware components, enabling thinner housing while maintaining power delivery capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of energy

If external power is connected through data ports, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but unpredictable power surges occur when cables are connected or disconnected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transfer efficiencyVSAvoidsystem stability during cable connection changes

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by detecting cable connection changes through motion sensors before power transfer is affected. When a cable is detected to be moving or disconnected, the system proactively adjusts power configuration in advance, preventing power surges by preparing the power management system before the actual connection change occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from motion detection sensors to monitor cable connection status in real-time. This feedback mechanism allows the power manager to detect physical cable movements and respond by adjusting power delivery parameters, preventing power surges caused by unexpected connection changes during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Productivity

If powerful processing components are used, then processing capability is improved, but current draw exceeds what external power supplies can provide

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing capabilityVSAvoidcurrent draw

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The system leverages the high power delivery capability of modern data ports (USB Type C, DisplayPort) that can provide up to 100W of power. By using these universal interfaces for both data and power, the system can support powerful processing components without requiring dedicated high-power connectors, as the same ports that provide data connectivity also supply sufficient power for full-performance operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10139881B2Information handling system port power management and cable detect

Publication Date: 2018.11.27 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

An information handling system allocates power for internal use and to support peripheral device operations by managing bi-directional power transfer at plural cable ports. A motion detector disposed in a port detects motion of a cable disconnecting from the port and communicates the motion to a power controller that coordinates termination of power draw from the cable before the power connection between the cable and port is lost.