Integrated Power Distribution Tool Eliminates Margin Stacking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current power distribution systems often result in non-robust interconnect topologies and over-designed power sources due to 'margin stacking' of worst-case loads, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs in redesigning separate components and reintegrating systems.
Innovation Solution
A systems power distribution tool that integrates power source and distribution network design, using computing devices to simulate power distribution and adjust interconnect and power source parameters to satisfy derating conditions without margin stacking, ensuring robust interconnect topologies and optimal power sourcing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate component design methodology is used with margin stacking of worst case loads, then power source and interconnects can be designed independently, but the system results in over-designed power sources and non-robust interconnect topologies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the separate design processes of power sources and interconnects into an integrated system-level design approach. The power distribution network is modeled as a unified system where power sources, interconnects, and loads are designed together using simultaneous equations that account for interactions between all components, eliminating the need for independent design with margin stacking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through iterative simulation and optimization. The system simulates power distribution under various load conditions, evaluates performance against design criteria, and automatically adjusts interconnect topology and power source parameters to optimize the overall system. This closed-loop process ensures robustness while maintaining ease of design.
2Manufacturing precision
If worst case load margins are stacked for each component, then individual components can be designed to meet their specifications, but the total system power requirement becomes excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static worst-case margin stacking to a dynamic simulation approach that evaluates power distribution across multiple operating conditions. The system models time-varying load profiles and optimizes power sources and interconnects to meet specifications under realistic operating scenarios rather than conservative worst-case assumptions, reducing total power requirements while maintaining component reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the design parameters from fixed margin stacks to variable parameters optimized through simulation. By adjusting interconnect resistance values, power source characteristics, and load distribution dynamically based on simulated operating conditions, the system achieves precise meeting of component specifications without excessive power margins.
3Device complexity
If interconnect topology is designed without integrated optimization, then design process is simpler, but the topology is not robust and interconnects fail derating under actual operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing integrated optimization and simulation before finalizing the interconnect topology. The system pre-evaluates multiple topology configurations under simulated operating conditions, identifies potential derating issues, and optimizes the topology beforehand to ensure robustness. This preliminary optimization prevents failures under actual operating conditions while maintaining manageable design complexity.
4Reliability
If redesign of separate components is performed when problems are exposed, then component specifications can be corrected, but the process is time consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary integrated optimization and validation before component fabrication and system integration. By simulating the complete power distribution system and identifying issues in the design phase rather than during testing or operation, the need for time-consuming redesign and reintegration is eliminated. All component specifications are optimized simultaneously to work together harmoniously from the start.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through automated simulation and optimization algorithms that independently evaluate and optimize the power distribution system. The software automatically adjusts design parameters, evaluates performance, and generates optimized component specifications without requiring manual redesign iterations, significantly reducing the time and cost associated with correcting specifications.
Data Source
AI summary
A systems power distribution tool integrates the design of the power source and distribution network to provide a robust interconnect topology and power source. This is accomplished with a machine of one or more computing devices configured as a systems power distribution tool. The tool “pulls” load current from the source through interconnects to the loads. This allows the interconnects to be designed to satisfy derating conditions for worst case voltage and current conditions and the power source to be designed to source the loads under actual conditions without margin stacking.