Portable Power Manager Dynamic Port Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable power managers are limited in their ability to connect with multiple power sources simultaneously, experience power interruptions when a single power supply fails, and have inefficient port configurations, leading to weight and cost issues, as well as suboptimal utilization of remaining charge in batteries.
Innovation Solution
A portable power manager with multiple device ports that can dynamically connect or disconnect from a power bus, using power converters to adapt to different power sources and prioritize charging/discharging based on remaining charge, and implement a smart cable system for efficient power management and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional portable power managers connect with a single power supply, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates when the power supply fails
Solution Approach 1:
The power manager is divided into multiple independent power channels, each capable of connecting to a separate power supply. This segmentation allows the system to maintain operation on alternative power sources when one supply fails, thereby improving reliability without requiring a complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The power manager implements dynamic connection and disconnection of power channels based on the operational status of power supplies. When a power supply fails, the system dynamically reconfigures to utilize remaining active channels, ensuring continuous operation while adapting to changing conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power converters are used to support multiple power sources, then the adaptability improves, but the weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power manager employs universal power channel designs that can interface with multiple types of power sources (batteries, generators, wall outlets) through standardized connection interfaces. This multi-functionality allows a single power channel design to serve multiple purposes, reducing the need for specialized components for each power source type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts operating parameters such as voltage and current conversion ratios based on the detected power source characteristics. By changing operational parameters rather than hardware configuration, the system achieves adaptability to different power sources without requiring additional physical components.
3Ease of operation
If all device ports remain connected to the power bus, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity and power management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power manager implements dynamic connection and disconnection of device ports to the power bus based on real-time system conditions. Ports can be selectively enabled or disabled through software control, allowing the system to maintain ease of physical access while managing electrical connections dynamically to optimize power distribution and reduce complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects of invention provide portable power manager operating methods. One aspect of the invention provides a method for operating a power manager having a plurality of device ports for connecting with external power devices and a power bus for connecting with each device port. The method includes: disconnecting each device port from the power bus when no external power device is connected to the device port; accessing information from newly connected external power devices; determining if the newly connected external power devices can be connected to the power bus without power conversion; if not, determining if the newly connected external power devices can be connected to the power bus over an available power converter; and if so, configuring the available power converter for suitable power conversion.