PSU Charging Mode Cycling for Heat-Controlled Power Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power supply units (PSUs) for mobile computing devices face challenges such as high power losses and bulkiness due to excess heat generation when batteries are fully charged, requiring large casings and materials for heat dissipation.
Innovation Solution
A PSU control circuit that dynamically adjusts power ceilings and charging durations, switching between fast and low-power modes to manage heat without temperature measurements, using timers and power meters to optimize power delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional PSUs continue charging at high power after battery is full, then charging speed is maintained, but heat generation increases and requires larger casings for heat dissipation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by cycling between fast charging mode and low-power mode in predetermined intervals. The control circuit switches charging modes based on elapsed time, allowing the PSU to operate at high power for predetermined charging durations, then transition to low-power mode for predetermined low-power durations, preventing continuous heat generation while maintaining overall charging speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the PSU control circuit dynamically switch between different charging modes based on real-time conditions including elapsed time and power consumption thresholds. The system transitions from static continuous high-power charging to dynamic mode switching, adapting power delivery to prevent excessive heat while maintaining charging efficiency
2Loss of time
If PSU operates continuously in fast charging mode, then charging duration is reduced, but heat dissipation requirements increase leading to larger device size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by cycling between fast charging mode and low-power mode in predetermined intervals. The control circuit switches charging modes based on elapsed time, allowing the PSU to operate at high power for predetermined charging durations, then transition to low-power mode for predetermined low-power durations, preventing continuous heat generation while maintaining overall charging speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the power ceiling parameter dynamically. The control circuit adjusts the power ceiling between a first power ceiling during fast charging mode and a second lower power ceiling during low-power mode. This parameter change allows the system to reduce power delivery and heat generation during low-power durations without permanently reducing charging capability
3Temperature
If PSU uses temperature sensors and complex control mechanisms to manage heat, then temperature control improves, but device complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the PSU to autonomously manage its own thermal characteristics through predetermined timing cycles. The control circuit automatically transitions between charging modes based on elapsed time without requiring external temperature sensors or complex feedback mechanisms. The system serves itself by using internal timers and power meter measurements to regulate heat generation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/physical temperature sensing mechanisms with electronic timing and power measurement systems. Instead of using temperature sensors that require physical contact with hot components, the system uses electronic timers to track charging durations and power meters to measure power consumption, substituting thermal measurement with temporal and electrical measurements
Data Source
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AI summary
A power supply unit (PSU) configured to provide electrical power to an electronic device. The PSU may include a PSU control circuit configured to, via a power meter, detect that electrical power conveyed to the electronic device is above a timer starting threshold. In a first charging mode with a first predetermined charging duration, the PSU control circuit may control the PSU to convey electrical power to the electronic device with a first power ceiling. Subsequently to the first predetermined charging duration elapsing, in a second charging mode with a second predetermined charging duration, the PSU control circuit may control the PSU to convey electrical power to the electronic device with a second power ceiling that is lower than the first power ceiling. Subsequently to the second predetermined charging duration elapsing, the PSU control circuit may control the PSU to return to the first charging mode.