Power Source Device Standby Power Cutoff via Triac Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power source devices for charging electronic devices, such as smartphones, continue to consume standby power even when fully charged or disconnected, leading to energy wastage and increased manufacturing costs due to the need for mechanical switches and complex structures.
Innovation Solution
A power source device with a micro USB connector that uses a control unit with a microprocessor to detect when a smartphone is fully charged or disconnected, automatically cutting off power supply through a photodiode and triac configuration, allowing for efficient standby power cutoff without the need for mechanical switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a mechanical switch is added to cut off standby power, then standby power consumption is reduced, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical switch with an electronic control system consisting of a control unit, triac, and associated circuitry. The control unit monitors battery charging status and uses the triac to electronically switch the power supply, eliminating the need for mechanical moving parts while achieving the same power cutoff function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects when the battery is fully charged or when the device is disconnected, and autonomously cuts off the power supply without requiring user intervention. The control unit continuously monitors charging parameters and triggers the triac to open the power circuit when cutoff conditions are met, making the system self-regulating.
2Loss of energy
If a mechanical switch is added to cut off standby power, then standby power consumption is reduced, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical switch is replaced with solid-state electronic components (control unit, triac, resistors, capacitors) that can be manufactured using standard PCB assembly processes. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical assembly steps and allows for automated production, reducing overall manufacturing costs despite the addition of electronic components.
3Device complexity
If standby power is not cut off when battery is fully charged, then device simplicity is maintained, but energy wastage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects when the battery reaches full charge through voltage and current monitoring, and autonomously triggers the triac to cut off power supply. This self-service capability eliminates the need for user intervention or complex additional components, achieving energy savings through simple automatic control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The power cutoff function is implemented through electronic control (control unit + triac) rather than mechanical means, maintaining device simplicity while enabling automatic standby power cutoff. The electronic switching mechanism provides sufficient control capability without requiring complex mechanical structures.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively reduces standby power consumption by automatically cutting off power when the battery is fully charged or the device is disconnected, minimizing energy wastage and reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining convenience and standard compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
a photodiode and triac configuration, allowing for efficient standby power cutoff
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a power source device having a standby power-cutoff function, which is to be used to charge a battery. The power source device comprises: a micro-USB connector (24) for connecting to the power source unit (20) of a smartphone when the battery of the smartphone or the like is to be charged; and a power generation unit (32) supplying DC charging power to the smartphone (20) from an AC input power source. The present invention includes: a control unit (33) having at least one microprocessor for controlling the overall operation and functioning of a power source device (30); a power supply/cutoff unit (34) supplying/cutoff the AC input power to the power generation unit (32) according to the control of the control unit (33); and a current-sensing unit (CT) connected so as to monitor the current from the power supply/cutoff unit (34), provide the control unit (33) with the current, and provide an indication of the charging state of the battery. The power source unit (20) of the smartphone also includes a first backflow-preventing unit (22) connected between the battery (21) and the control unit (33) so as to prevent the DC power from the power source device (30) from being directly applied to the battery (21) during charging, and the power source device (30) further includes a second backflow-preventing unit (31) which is connected between the DC charging voltage output terminal of the power generation unit (32) and the power supply voltage (Vc) of the control unit (33).