Power Supply Voltage Regulation via Current-Dependent Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Power supply systems in information handling systems experience undesired output voltage fluctuations, leading to inefficiencies and reduced performance, due to the complexity of current control circuitry and the need for additional components.

Innovation Solution

A power supply system with a first circuit for detecting current drawn from an energy source and a second circuit for adjusting output voltage based on the first circuit's output, using a minimal number of components and feedback control to stabilize the voltage, maintaining efficiency across varying load conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If complex control circuitry is used to regulate output voltage, then voltage stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput voltage stabilityVSAvoidcontrol circuitry complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuitry is segmented into distinct functional blocks: a detection circuit that monitors output voltage and generates a detection signal, and a control circuit that receives the detection signal and adjusts the power conversion circuit accordingly. This segmentation simplifies the overall design by dividing complex control functions into manageable, independent modules that can be optimized separately.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the detection circuit continuously monitors the output voltage and generates a detection signal that is fed back to the control circuit. The control circuit uses this feedback signal to dynamically adjust the power conversion circuit, ensuring stable output voltage while avoiding the need for overly complex open-loop control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If additional components are added to control circuitry, then voltage regulation accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage regulation accuracyVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it monitors output voltage, generates detection signals, and provides feedback for control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby maintaining voltage regulation accuracy while minimizing the total number of components in the system.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The control circuit adjusts operating parameters of the power conversion circuit based on detection signals rather than using additional physical components. By changing electrical parameters dynamically through control signals, the system achieves accurate voltage regulation without increasing component count, thus improving manufacturing precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Power

If output voltage is maintained at high values, then power delivery capability is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to turbulent stage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower delivery capabilityVSAvoidenergy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the output voltage based on load conditions and detection signals rather than maintaining a fixed high voltage. The control circuit modifies voltage levels in real-time, allowing the power supply to operate efficiently across different power delivery requirements while avoiding the turbulent stage that causes energy loss. This dynamic approach enables the system to deliver high power when needed while maintaining energy efficiency during lower demand periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 reduces undesired output voltage fluctuations, enhancing energy efficiency and workability by maintaining a stable output voltage, achieving a savings of approximately 8.2% in system loading during idle mode and improving overall power supply system performance.

Implementation Method 1

a first circuit for detecting a magnitude of a current drawn from the energy source by the power supply system and providing an output related thereto

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical sensing: Ohm's Law

Implementation Method 2

a second circuit for adjusting an output voltage supplied to the second connector based on an output of the first circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFeedback control: Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8901898B2Methods and apparatus for regulating output voltage of a power supply system
Publication Date: 2014.12.02 DELL PROD LP
  • US8901898B2 patent drawing
  • US8901898B2 patent drawing
  • US8901898B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A power supply system includes a first connector, a second connector, a first circuit for detecting a magnitude of a current drawn from an energy source by the power supply system and providing a related output related, and a second circuit for adjusting an output voltage supplied to the second connector based on output of the first circuit. The output voltage supplied to the second connector is at a first value when the output of the first circuit is below a first threshold. Further, the output voltage supplied to the second connector is at a second value, greater than said first value, when the output of the first circuit is above a second threshold. The output voltage supplied to the second connector is at a third value, between said first and second values, when the output of the first circuit is between the first and second thresholds.