Power Management Controller for Portable Data Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable devices like data storage devices face significant power consumption issues due to the operation of motors and electronics, necessitating effective power management strategies to reduce energy usage and prolong battery life.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a dual power management operating sequence that includes a controller to select between different power-saving modes based on usage time and activity levels, allowing for dynamic power adjustments such as turning off unnecessary components or reducing spindle motor rotation speed, to minimize power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If motors and electronics operate continuously to maintain device functionality, then device performance and readiness are improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice readinessVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically transitions between multiple power management operating sequences (first, second, and third sequences) based on device activity state. The controller selects appropriate sequences to match current operational needs, allowing the system to adapt its power consumption characteristics while maintaining required functionality. This is evidenced by the patent describing transitions between sequences based on detected device states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by switching between different power management sequences that have distinct power consumption characteristics. Each sequence represents a different set of operational parameters for motors and electronics, allowing the system to optimize power usage while maintaining device readiness when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If power management operating sequences are implemented to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcontrol sequence complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power management system is segmented into multiple discrete operating sequences (first, second, and third sequences), each optimized for specific operational conditions. This segmentation allows the controller to select the most appropriate sequence for current device state, managing complexity through modular organization of power management modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates automatic transition logic that detects device activity state and autonomously selects appropriate power management sequences without requiring complex external control. This self-service approach reduces the burden on external controllers while still achieving sophisticated power management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple power management operating sequences are implemented, then adaptability to different usage scenarios is improved, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower mode adaptabilityVSAvoidcontroller complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller implements dynamic selection among multiple power management sequences based on real-time detection of device activity state. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to respond to varying usage scenarios while maintaining a manageable control structure through state-based decision logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS7853809B2System and method of power management
Publication Date: 2010.12.14 SEAGATE TECH LLC
  • US7853809B2 patent drawing
  • US7853809B2 patent drawing
  • US7853809B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods of power management of a device. In a particular embodiment, the method includes determining a first power consumption value for a first power management operating sequence of an electronic device. The method also includes determining a second power consumption value for a second power management operating sequence based on previous activity of the electronic device. The method also includes selecting either the first power management operating sequence or the second power management operating sequence.