Power Storage Adapter Battery Charging Prioritization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information handling systems face challenges in efficiently prioritizing electrical power distribution to multiple connected devices when the power storage adapter's capacity is insufficient, particularly when the state of charge of one or more device batteries is below a certain threshold, leading to suboptimal charging and performance.
Innovation Solution
A power storage adapter with a controller that determines the state of charge of connected devices and prioritizes supplying electrical power to a selected device based on a predetermined battery charging policy, ensuring that the selected device's battery state of charge meets or exceeds a threshold while reducing power supply to other devices if necessary, using an AC-DC converter and battery management units to manage power distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the power storage adapter supplies electrical power to multiple connected devices simultaneously, then the number of devices receiving power increases, but the power supply capacity becomes insufficient to satisfy all requests
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different power supply levels to different devices based on their individual needs and battery states. The controller identifies which devices require priority charging (those with low battery state of charge) and allocates sufficient power to them, while providing reduced or no power to devices with adequate battery levels. This ensures that each device receives the appropriate quality and quantity of power based on its specific condition.
2Quantity of substance
If the power storage adapter prioritizes supplying electrical power to a selected device, then the state of charge of the selected device increases, but the power supply to unselected devices decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by continuously monitoring the battery state of charge of all connected devices and dynamically adjusting power allocation in real-time. The controller periodically reassesses which devices require priority charging and modifies power distribution accordingly. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to changing conditions, ensuring that devices with low battery levels receive adequate power while devices with sufficient charge receive reduced power, optimizing overall system performance.
3Measurement precision
If the power storage adapter queries all connected devices to obtain battery state of charge data, then the accuracy of power prioritization decision-making increases, but the communication overhead and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having devices report their battery state of charge information in advance or maintain this information ready for query. The controller can quickly access this pre-prepared data without requiring lengthy real-time measurements during power allocation decisions. This preliminary preparation of data reduces the time penalty associated with querying devices while maintaining accurate information for prioritization decisions.
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
This solution ensures optimal charging of critical devices by prioritizing power allocation, extending battery life and maintaining system performance by ensuring that critical devices are charged efficiently even when overall power capacity is limited.
Implementation Method 1
an AC-DC converter
Data Source
AI summary
A power storage adapter (PSA) may be connected to multiple battery-powered devices. A PSA controller may be configured to receive respective requests to supply electrical power to a first device and a second device, to determine that the power storage adapter does not have sufficient power supply capacity to satisfy both requests, to determine that a respective state of charge (SOC) of at least one device battery is below a first battery SOC threshold, and to prioritize supplying electrical power to a selected one of the devices at the expense of the other device based on a battery charging prioritization policy. The selected device may be prioritized until the battery SOC exceeds a battery SOC threshold or for a predetermined time period. The battery charging prioritization policy may specify relative charging priorities for the device batteries and a PSA battery dependent on whether AC line power is available.