Power Management Controller for Zero Standby Consumption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power management systems consume standby power even when devices are in standby mode or powered off, requiring physical disconnection of power plugs to prevent energy waste, which is inconvenient and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method that allow users to set a saving mode without physically disconnecting power plugs, using a controller and switches to manage power supply blocks, enabling zero power consumption by selectively turning off power to main and standby blocks based on user commands and preset conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the device is set to standby mode to allow user commands to be recognized, then the device can respond to user input, but standby power is consumed continuously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice responsiveness to user commandsVSAvoidstandby power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system is segmented into multiple independent blocks (standby power supply block and main power supply block), each controllable by separate switches. This allows selective power distribution to different functional modules, enabling the device to maintain minimal responsiveness while consuming significantly less power compared to keeping the entire system in standby mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the power supply parameter from a binary state (fully on or fully off) to a multi-level state by controlling different power blocks independently. The controller can selectively activate only the necessary power blocks based on operational requirements, thereby optimizing power consumption while maintaining essential functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If the power plug is physically pulled out to prevent standby power consumption, then zero power consumption is achieved, but user convenience is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical action of physically pulling out the power plug is replaced by an electronic control system. The controller electronically switches off power blocks through control signals, achieving the same power-cutting effect without requiring physical user intervention. This substitution maintains zero power consumption while preserving user convenience through automated electronic control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Use of energy by moving object

If multiple power blocks are controlled by separate switches for selective power interruption, then precise power management is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower management precisionVSAvoidswitch control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple control functions are merged into a single integrated controller that manages both the standby power supply block and main power supply block through unified logic. This consolidation simplifies the control architecture by eliminating the need for separate control circuits for each power block, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining precise power management capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The controller is designed with multi-functionality to handle various power management scenarios (standby mode, saving mode, full operation) using a single control unit. This universal controller can selectively activate or deactivate different power blocks based on operational requirements, eliminating the need for dedicated control mechanisms for each mode and reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8898486B2Apparatus and method for controlling input power
Publication Date: 2014.11.25 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • US8898486B2 patent drawing
  • US8898486B2 patent drawing
  • US8898486B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus and method for controlling an input power according to power management modes of a display device. In a saving mode of the power management modes, a power supply to the system is turned OFF according to an organic operation between components of the system. Thus, because the power supply to a power block within the system is turned OFF all, a consumed power is in a substantially zero state, comparable to a state in which a power plug is physically pulled out.