Power Supply System for Portable Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable electronic devices face challenges in extending battery operation time when using DC power sources, as existing solutions require dedicated battery chargers and complex power management systems to optimize battery usage and adapt to different power specifications.

Innovation Solution

A power supply system that includes a battery unit with a battery charger, output circuit, and control circuit to manage power from both AC/DC adaptors and internal batteries, allowing seamless transition between AC and DC power sources, and optimizing power consumption based on recognized rated capacities to extend battery operation time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If a large-sized battery pack is mounted to extend battery operation time, then battery operation time is improved, but device portability and compactness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery operation timeVSAvoiddevice compactness
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the battery charger functionality with the power supply apparatus, merging two previously separate functions (charging and power supply) into a single integrated device. This eliminates the need for a dedicated external battery charger while maintaining the ability to extend battery operation time through efficient power management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: it can supply power to the electronic device, charge the battery, and adapt to different power source specifications. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate dedicated chargers and large battery packs, achieving extended operation time without compromising portability.

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

2Reliability

If a dedicated battery charger is required to charge external battery, then charging reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging reliabilityVSAvoidpower management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The battery charger and power supply apparatus are merged into a single integrated system. The power supply apparatus automatically performs both power supply and charging functions without requiring a separate dedicated charger, thereby maintaining charging reliability while reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply apparatus automatically detects the battery state and controls the charging process without user intervention. The control circuit autonomously manages power flow between the AC/DC adaptor, battery, and electronic device, eliminating the need for complex user-managed charging procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If AC power source is converted to DC power using AC/DC adaptor, then power compatibility is improved, but power conversion efficiency and energy loss deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower compatibilityVSAvoidpower conversion loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary charging of the battery when AC power is available, storing energy in advance. This allows the battery to be fully charged before AC power is disconnected, minimizing energy loss during conversion and ensuring continuous operation without requiring frequent AC-DC conversion cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control circuit dynamically adjusts power conversion parameters based on the operating state. When AC power is available, it optimizes the conversion efficiency for charging; when battery power is used, it adjusts parameters to minimize discharge losses, thereby reducing overall energy loss while maintaining power compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 system effectively extends battery operation time by managing power consumption and switching between AC and DC sources, reducing the need for dedicated chargers and improving convenience, while maintaining compatibility with various power specifications.

Implementation Method 1

a battery charger for charging a battery using power supplied by the AC/DC adaptor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBattery charging: Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentUS9276429B2Method and apparatus for extending battery operation time of an electronic device
Publication Date: 2016.03.01 LENOVO SWITZERLAND INTERNATIONAL GMBH
  • US9276429B2 patent drawing
  • US9276429B2 patent drawing
  • US9276429B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus for supplying power to a portable electronic device is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first receptacle to which an AC/DC adaptor is connectable, a second receptacle to which an electronic device is connectable, a battery charger for charging a battery using power supplied by the AC/DC adaptor, an output circuit for supplying power to the electronic device from the AC/DC adaptor when the AC/DC adaptor is connected to the apparatus, and supplies power to the electronic device from the battery when the AC/DC adaptor is not connected to the apparatus, and a control circuit for controlling the battery charger to supply power to the electronic device while charging the battery when the AC/DC adaptor is connected to the apparatus.