Power Switch Device Sequential Startup Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

When multiple electric devices are powered on simultaneously, the high peak input current can exceed the upper load limit of a power supply system, triggering an overload power-off protection mechanism, which can cause hardware damage and data loss.

Innovation Solution

A power switch device with a switch, control unit, and communication interface that manages the start process of electric devices sequentially to avoid simultaneous power-on, preventing instantaneous overloading by controlling the switch based on busy messages and time periods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple electric devices are started simultaneously when powered on, then the power supply system can serve multiple devices, but the high peak input current exceeds the upper load limit and triggers overload protection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply system serving multiple devicesVSAvoidoverload protection triggering

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit checks the power supply status before allowing an electric device to start. It sends a start request to the power supply system and waits for a ready signal. Only when the power supply system confirms it can handle the additional load does the control unit close the switch to enable power delivery, preventing simultaneous startup of multiple devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply system and control unit engage in a feedback loop where the control unit sends start requests and the power supply system responds with ready signals or busy messages. This feedback mechanism allows the system to dynamically adjust device startup based on current power supply conditions and load capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Speed

If the switch is closed immediately when powered on, then the electric device can start quickly, but the instantaneous current causes overload protection to activate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice startup speedVSAvoidoverload protection activation

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Before closing the switch to enable power delivery, the control unit performs preliminary checks by sending start requests to the power supply system and receiving ready signals. This preliminary action ensures the power supply system is prepared for the additional load, allowing the switch to be closed safely without triggering overload protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit implements a periodic checking mechanism where it sends start requests at regular intervals and waits for responses from the power supply system. This periodic action allows the system to coordinate device startups in a controlled manner, preventing simultaneous closures of multiple switches that would cause instantaneous current surges

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If a centralized management device is used to control power distribution, then simultaneous startup can be prevented, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of simultaneous startupVSAvoidcentralized management device

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power management function is segmented and distributed to individual control units, each associated with a specific electric device. Each control unit independently manages its own device's startup by communicating with the power supply system, eliminating the need for a centralized management device while maintaining coordination and preventing simultaneous startup

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each control unit autonomously manages the startup process of its associated electric device by independently sending start requests to the power supply system and receiving responses. This self-service approach allows each control unit to make local decisions about when to close its switch, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining reliable coordination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11422603B2Power switch device

Publication Date: 2022.08.23 GIGA BYTE TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A power switch device includes a switch, a control unit, and a communication interface. The switch includes a power input terminal, which is configured to receive an external power; and a power output terminal, which is configured to output the external power. The switch normally remains open. The control unit is turned on when receiving the external power via the power input terminal, and transmits a start request via the communication interface. The control unit determines whether the communication interface receives a busy message within a delay time period. If the busy message is not received within the delay time period, the control unit controls the switch to be closed, and sets a start process time period. Within the start process time period, if the communication interface receives another start request, the control unit generates another busy message to respond to the another start request via the communication interface.