Power Input Utilization Engine for Diverse Energy Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information handling systems (IHSs), particularly mobile/portable ones, lack the ability to efficiently and consistently utilize diverse power inputs, such as docks, automobiles, USB, and wireless sources, due to their narrow or limited power capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A power input utilization system comprising a power utilization engine that detects and selects power inputs, determines their characteristics, and adjusts the operation characteristics of components accordingly, enabling efficient operation and charging across various power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional power inputs are used in IHSs, then the system can operate with simple power connection, but the system cannot efficiently utilize diverse power sources with different characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The power input utilization system enables a single IHS to universally accept and efficiently utilize multiple types of power sources (AC adapters, DC adapters, USB power sources, wireless power sources, solar power sources, fuel cell power sources, and vehicle power sources) through a unified power management architecture that automatically detects and adapts to different power input characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary power management system that sits between the diverse power sources and the IHS components, detecting power input characteristics and translating them into appropriate operation characteristics for system components, thereby enabling efficient utilization of various power sources without requiring complex modifications to each power connection interface
2Productivity
If the system operates components at high performance levels, then productivity is improved, but power consumption increases beyond what limited power inputs can provide
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts component operation characteristics based on detected power input characteristics, allowing components to operate at optimal performance levels matched to the available power source capabilities, thereby maximizing productivity within the constraints of the power input while preventing power consumption from exceeding available supply
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters of system components based on power input characteristics, adjusting voltage, current, and operational modes to match the capabilities of the connected power source, enabling the system to achieve high productivity when powerful sources are available while maintaining stable operation with limited power inputs
Data Source
AI summary
A power input utilization system includes a plurality of components and a plurality of power input connectors. A power utilization engine is coupled between the plurality of power input connectors and the plurality of components. The power utilization engine is operable to detect a power input to the plurality of power input connectors and determine a power input characteristic for the power input. The power utilization engine is also operable to use the power input characteristic to determine a plurality of operation characteristics for the plurality of components. The power utilization engine is also operable to operate the plurality of components using on the power input and the plurality of operation characteristics.