Power Adapter Translating External Capability Data for Non-Standard Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices may not operate at maximum power settings when using non-standard or third-party power sources, as these sources often fail to communicate their power supply capability information, leading to potential underperformance or failure due to incorrect power usage.
Innovation Solution
A power adapter with multiple inputs and outputs that receives and manages power supply capability information from an external source, allowing it to operate electronic devices at maximum power settings even with non-standard power sources, and provides redundancy and voltage regulation to prevent power supply failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If non-standard or third-party power sources are used, then device versatility and adaptability are improved, but power supply capability information is lost leading to incorrect power usage
Solution Approach 1:
The power adapter serves as an intermediary device between the non-standard power source and the electronic device. It receives power supply capability information from the power source through its first input interface and communicates this information to the electronic device through its second input interface, thereby mediating the information loss and enabling correct power usage with versatile power sources.
2Device complexity
If power supply capability information is not communicated, then device simplicity is maintained, but electronic devices operate at lowest power setting or fail to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The power adapter performs preliminary action by receiving and processing power supply capability information from the power source before delivering power to the electronic device. This preliminary information gathering and processing enables the adapter to configure correct power delivery parameters, ensuring the device operates at maximum power setting rather than lowest setting or failing to operate.
3Use of energy by moving object
If power supply capability information is communicated from external source, then maximum power efficiency is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power adapter is designed with multi-functionality, serving multiple purposes: it acts as a power source interface, an information communication device, and a power management system. By consolidating these functions into a single adapter unit, the system achieves maximum power efficiency through external information communication while minimizing the increase in overall system complexity.
4Reliability
If power management and redundancy are implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power adapter implements redundancy by providing multiple input interfaces that can receive power from different power sources. This beforehand cushioning ensures that if one power source fails or provides incorrect information, alternative power sources can compensate, thereby improving reliability without requiring overly complex power management systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
In example implementations, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a plurality of power inputs, a plurality of power outputs, a power management component, and a power source capability information translation component. The plurality of power inputs is coupled to power sources. The plurality of power outputs is coupled to electronic devices. The power management component is coupled to the plurality of power inputs and the plurality of power outputs to manage deliver of power. The power source capability information translation component is coupled to the power management component and an external source that provides a power source capability information of a power source connected to a power input of the plurality of power inputs. The power management component delivers the power from the power source to a power output of the plurality of power outputs in accordance with the power source capability information received from the external source.