Power Supply Apparatus with Automatic Voltage Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power supplies provide only fixed output voltages, requiring multiple units or manual switching for different voltage requirements, leading to inconvenience and economic inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

A power supply apparatus with a current modulation unit, voltage converting unit, current detector, and control unit that automatically adjusts output voltage by detecting load current and generating a control signal to stabilize the voltage at the desired level.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a power supply provides only fixed output voltage, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different voltage requirements is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different voltage requirementsVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic voltage adjustment by replacing fixed voltage output with a controllable voltage source that can automatically adapt its output voltage level based on real-time load current detection. The power supply transitions from a static fixed-voltage device to a dynamic system that continuously monitors and adjusts voltage to match load requirements, thereby improving adaptability without requiring multiple separate power supply units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback control by detecting the load current and using this information to automatically adjust the output voltage. The control unit receives current detection results and generates control signals that modulate the voltage output, creating a closed-loop system. This feedback mechanism enables the power supply to automatically adapt to different voltage requirements based on actual load conditions, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple power supplies are prepared for different voltages, then the voltage adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and management difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage adaptabilityVSAvoidnumber of power supply units
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal power supply that can provide multiple different output voltages through a single device. By incorporating automatic voltage adjustment capability, the power supply can serve multiple voltage requirements without needing separate dedicated power supplies for each voltage level. This multi-functional design consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate units, thereby improving voltage adaptability while reducing the number of devices needed and simplifying management.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply uses dynamic voltage adjustment to replace multiple static fixed-voltage power supplies. The ability to continuously or steplessly adjust the output voltage allows a single dynamic power supply to cover the range of voltages that would otherwise require multiple fixed-voltage units, achieving universality and reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If manual switching is used to change output voltage, then the device structure remains simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvenience of voltage switchingVSAvoidcontrol system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual switching with automatic feedback control. The system continuously detects load current and automatically adjusts voltage without user intervention. This eliminates the need for users to manually select voltage levels, significantly improving ease of operation. The added control system complexity is justified by the substantial gain in operational convenience and the elimination of manual switching requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply performs self-adjustment of voltage based on load conditions without requiring user input. The control system autonomously monitors current and regulates voltage output, making the system self-servicing in terms of voltage regulation. This self-service capability removes the burden of manual voltage selection from the user, greatly enhancing ease of operation despite the increased internal control complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS7548043B2Power supply apparatus and method for providing voltage
Publication Date: 2009.06.16 XUESHAN TECH INC
  • US7548043B2 patent drawing
  • US7548043B2 patent drawing
  • US7548043B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A power supply apparatus includes a current modulation unit, a voltage converting unit, a current detector, and a control unit. The current modulation unit is used for receiving an input voltage and a control signal, generating an output current and adjusting the value of the output current according to the control signal. The voltage converting unit, coupled to the current modulation unit, converts the output current into the output voltage. The current detector, coupled to the voltage converting unit and the output terminal, detects the current flowing through the load and outputs a current detection result. The control unit, coupled to the current modulation unit, the current detector and the output terminal, receives the current detection result and the output voltage, and generates the control signal according to the current detection result and the output voltage.