Power Source Load Verification Before High-Voltage Output

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power distribution systems struggle to ensure safe power delivery, as they lack effective mechanisms to verify the presence and type of a load before applying higher voltages, potentially leading to electric shock risks.

Innovation Solution

A power source system that provides a first low voltage and detects feedback, such as current patterns, to determine if an appropriate load is connected. If verified, the system switches to a higher second voltage for power distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If higher voltage (up to 400 VDC) is used to distribute more energy, then power distribution capability is improved, but safety risk increases due to potential electric shock from unconnected cables or inappropriate loads

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower distribution capabilityVSAvoidelectric shock risk

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary verification by applying a first low voltage (below 60 VDC) before applying the second high voltage. During this preliminary phase, the system detects feedback signals from the load to verify proper connection and load type. Only after successful verification does the system switch to the second high voltage for full power distribution, thus eliminating electric shock risk from unconnected cables.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback detection during the low voltage phase to determine whether a load is properly connected and of the appropriate type. The load responds with a detectable feedback signal (such as a specific current pattern or voltage level) that confirms its presence and suitability. This feedback mechanism enables the power source to safely transition to high voltage only when conditions are verified.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If a verification mechanism is implemented to detect load presence and type, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional control circuitry

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidcontrol circuitry

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The verification function is merged with the existing power delivery circuitry. The same output terminals used for power distribution are also used for verification by applying low voltage and detecting feedback. This eliminates the need for separate verification interfaces or additional physical connections, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power source output is designed to serve multiple functions: it can deliver high power at 400 VDC to appropriate loads, and simultaneously perform verification by detecting feedback signals during a low voltage phase. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated verification hardware, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3776781B1Power source, load and methods for providing and receiving power

Publication Date: 2025.04.23 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD

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AI summary

A power source is proposed comprising an output for a load. The power source is configured to provide a first voltage at the output. The power source is configured to detect a feedback at the output. The power source is further configured to provide a second voltage at the output based on the detected feedback. A high second voltage is only provided if an appropriate load is detected. This has the advantage that people are protected from electric shock e.g. when handling unconnected cables.