Portable Power Supply Circuit for Inrush Current Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Miniaturized generators used as power supplies for small electronic devices face challenges in providing stable power due to limited power output, leading to issues with inrush current and potential failure in activating loads with high power consumption.

Innovation Solution

The electronic apparatus incorporates a power generation module with a capacitor unit in parallel to stabilize voltage fluctuations caused by inrush currents, along with a control circuit that delays the activation timing of power supply circuits to prevent overlapping inrush currents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a miniaturized generator is used as a power supply, then the electronic apparatus can be made compact and portable, but the power output is limited and cannot supply sufficient power for loads with high power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesize of electronic apparatusVSAvoidpower output of generator

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The capacitor unit is charged in advance during periods when the generator can supply power, storing energy that will be used during high-power consumption periods. This preliminary energy accumulation allows the system to handle peak power demands that exceed the generator's instantaneous output capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The capacitor unit acts as a cushion or buffer between the generator and the load. When the load requires more power than the generator can provide, the capacitor releases stored energy to compensate for the deficit, preventing power supply failure and protecting the generator from excessive current demands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Ease of operation

If the load is activated without power management control, then the electronic apparatus can operate, but excessive inrush current flows causing the generator to fail to supply sufficient power

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation of electronic apparatusVSAvoidpower supply stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit activates the capacitor unit before activating the load, ensuring that the capacitor is charged and ready to provide surge current. This preliminary activation sequence prevents inrush current problems by having the energy buffer ready in advance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit dynamically manages the activation sequence of different components, adjusting the timing of capacitor activation relative to load activation based on power requirements. This dynamic control optimizes power supply stability while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple circuits are activated simultaneously, then the electronic apparatus can provide comprehensive functionality, but overlapping inrush currents occur causing power supply failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality of electronic apparatusVSAvoidpower supply stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit activates capacitor units in advance before multiple circuits are activated, ensuring energy buffer is ready. This preliminary action allows subsequent simultaneous circuit activations to occur without overlapping inrush current problems, as the capacitor can meet the combined surge demands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The capacitor unit provides a cushion against the combined inrush currents of multiple simultaneously activated circuits. By having the energy buffer in place beforehand, the system can handle multiple circuit activations without power supply failure, maintaining both versatility and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 configuration ensures stable activation and operation of the electronic apparatus even with small power generators, by effectively managing voltage fluctuations and preventing power supply failures.

Implementation Method 1

a first capacitor unit configured to store power generated by the power generation unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

a second capacitor unit electrically coupled in parallel to the first capacitor unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS12282372B2Electronic apparatus having portable housing and power supply circuit

Publication Date: 2025.04.22 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

An electronic apparatus including a power generation module including a power generation unit and a battery configured to store power generated by the power generation unit, a detection device, a drive unit including a plurality of circuits including a circuit configured to output a voltage to the detection device based on the power of the power generation module, a second capacitor unit electrically coupled in parallel to the battery, and a portable housing configured to accommodate the power generation module, the detection device, the drive unit, and the second capacitor unit.