Seamless Power Source Switching in Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic devices often fail to seamlessly switch between multiple power sources without disrupting the power supply, limiting their ability to utilize high-voltage sources when low-voltage sources are available, and users are unaware of the current power source being used.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a power input unit, a switching unit, and a controller that allows selection and switching between multiple power sources (such as AC adapters, USB, and wireless charging) without cutting off the power supply, using a switching circuit and control signals to manage the power distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional electronic devices use a single power source connection, then the device structure remains simple, but the device cannot switch between multiple power sources without cutting off power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The power input unit is divided into multiple independent power input terminals (first power input unit and second power input unit), each capable of receiving power from different power sources. This segmentation allows the device to independently manage and switch between multiple power sources without requiring a complete redesign of the power management system.
Solution Approach 2:
A switching unit is introduced as an intermediary component between the multiple power input units and the load unit. This switching unit includes switching circuits that can selectively connect any power source to the load, enabling seamless power source transitions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Ease of operation
If the device automatically selects power sources, then the device can optimize power usage, but users cannot control which power source is selected
Solution Approach 1:
The power management system is designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing the operational mode to change from automatic to manual based on user needs. The controller can automatically select power sources based on device requirements, while also responding to user inputs to switch to manual control mode, providing flexibility in operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that inform users about the current power source status and available power sources. This feedback enables users to make informed decisions when switching to manual control mode, ensuring that user control is exercised with full awareness of the system state.
3Reliability
If the device switches power sources instantly, then the switching speed is fast, but the power supply may be interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The switching circuits are designed to prepare for power source transitions in advance. Before switching from one power source to another, the system can pre-establish connections or buffer power to ensure that the transition occurs without interruption, maintaining continuous power supply to the load unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The power management system ensures continuous power delivery to the load during switching operations. The switching unit is configured to maintain power flow continuity by coordinating the switching actions of multiple circuits, ensuring that one power source seamlessly takes over as another is disconnected, without creating gaps in power supply.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is provided which includes a power input unit including a first power input unit and a second power input unit, a switching unit including a first switching circuit connected with the first power input unit and a second switching circuit connected with the second power input unit, and a controller configured to receive selection information for selecting a power source to supply power to a load unit included in the electronic device of a first power source and a second power source, wherein the first power source and the second power source are connected with the first power input unit and the second power input unit, respectively, and control the switching unit to connect the first power source to the load unit according to the selection information.