Configurable Power Supply Bypass Path for Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power supply systems for portable devices experience power loss and reduced efficiency due to voltage conversion in rechargeable battery systems, leading to increased temperature and reduced battery life.

Innovation Solution

A configurable power supply system that includes a power source, a switch for enabling a bypass path, a rechargeable battery module, a charging unit, and a converting unit, controlled by a control unit to manage power flow and minimize conversion when possible, thereby optimizing power efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If voltage conversion is performed through charger and boost converter, then voltage compatibility is achieved, but power efficiency deteriorates due to power loss

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the voltage conversion function from the mandatory power path by introducing a bypass path. When input voltage is compatible with the battery, power flows directly through the bypass path without undergoing double conversion, thereby eliminating unnecessary power loss while maintaining voltage compatibility when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between two power paths: the conventional conversion path (when voltage conversion is needed) and the bypass path (when input voltage is compatible). This dynamic adjustment optimizes power efficiency based on real-time voltage conditions while maintaining adaptability to different charging scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If double voltage conversion is performed, then voltage compatibility is ensured, but temperature increases due to power loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage compatibilityVSAvoidtemperature
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the heat-generating voltage conversion steps from the power path by introducing a bypass path. When input voltage matches battery requirements, power flows directly without conversion, eliminating the source of heat generation while preserving voltage compatibility capability when conversion is actually needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If conventional battery power supply system is used, then battery charging is achieved, but battery life is reduced due to repeated conversion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery chargingVSAvoidbattery life
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the harmful repeated conversion process from the charging path. By providing a bypass path that allows direct power flow when voltage is compatible, the system eliminates the stress of double conversion on the battery, thereby extending battery life while maintaining reliable charging functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 enhances power efficiency by bypassing current through a switch without conversion when the output voltage is close to the input voltage, reducing temperature and extending battery life.

Implementation Method 1

a rechargeable battery module for storing the input power for outputting a battery power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 2

a converting unit, coupled to the rechargeable battery module, for converting the battery power to generate the output power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage conversion:

Implementation Method 3

a switch, coupled to the power source, for enabling a bypass path for outputting the input power to an output node as an output power when turned on

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS9142974B2Configurable power supply system
Publication Date: 2015.09.22 NANJING SILERGY SEMICONDUCTOR (HONG KONG) TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
  • US9142974B2 patent drawing
  • US9142974B2 patent drawing
  • US9142974B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A configurable power supply system is disclosed. The configurable power supply system comprises a power source for providing input power, a switch, coupled to the power source, for enabling a bypass path for outputting the input power to an output node as an output power when turned on; a rechargeable battery module for storing the input power for outputting a battery power; a charging unit, coupled between the power source and the rechargeable battery module, for charging the rechargeable battery module with the input power; a converting unit, coupled to the rechargeable battery module, for converting the battery power to generate the output power; and a control unit, coupled to the switch, the charging unit, and the converting unit, for controlling functions of the switch, the charging unit, and the converting unit.