Reconfigurable Power Adapter Temperature-Based Output Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power adaptors for information handling systems are limited by their rated power output, which does not account for variations in temperature, resulting in underutilized capacity and the need for larger, more expensive adaptors for higher power demands.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable power adaptor that adjusts its output based on transformer temperature, toggling switches to increase power output when safe, and notifies the system of the new capability, allowing for higher power delivery when conditions permit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the power adaptor is sized for the maximum expected power demand, then the power demand is satisfied, but the adaptor size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power adaptor dynamically adjusts its output power capacity based on real-time temperature conditions. The controller monitors transformer temperature and reconfigures the power output accordingly, allowing the adaptor to operate at higher power levels when temperatures are low and reduce power when temperatures rise, thus resolving the contradiction between providing sufficient power and maintaining compact size
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the power adaptor by adjusting the output power level based on temperature measurements. The controller modifies power delivery parameters dynamically, enabling the same physical adaptor to provide different power capacities (e.g., 45W or 65W) depending on thermal conditions, eliminating the need for larger adaptors designed for maximum continuous power
2Power
If the power adaptor is sized for the maximum expected power demand, then the power demand is satisfied, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic temperature-based power adjustment allows manufacturers to produce smaller, less expensive adaptors that can temporarily deliver higher power when needed, rather than requiring expensive oversized components designed for continuous maximum power output
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the operational power parameters based on temperature, the same hardware can serve multiple power levels, reducing manufacturing costs compared to producing different adaptor models for different power requirements
3Power
If the power adaptor operates at higher power output, then the power delivery is improved, but the temperature increases reducing the saturation level of magnetic flux
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors transformer temperature and uses this feedback to adjust the power output level. When temperature rises indicating approaching thermal limits, the controller reduces power output to prevent exceeding safe operating conditions, thereby maintaining the contradiction resolution between high power delivery and temperature management
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts power output based on real-time temperature conditions, allowing higher power delivery when temperatures are favorable and automatically reducing power when thermal limits are approached, creating a self-regulating system that balances power delivery with thermal constraints
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
Enables higher power output without increasing the size or cost of the adaptor, providing benefits like faster battery charging and enabling additional circuitry usage, such as GPUs, while maintaining safety margins.
Implementation Method 1
the saturation level of magnetic flux in the transformer decreases, which reduces a maximum power output level
Data Source
AI summary
A power adaptor for an information handling system may provide a higher power output level by monitoring a temperature inside a transformer of the power adaptor. When the transformer temperature is below a threshold below a rated temperature, the power adaptor may be allowed to operate at high power output levels. For example, a power adaptor rated for 45 Watts at 100 degrees Celsius may be allowed to operate at 65 Watts at 70 degrees Celsius. A feedback circuit may use transformer temperature information to determine when a power output level of the power adaptor may be adjusted to a higher level and then reconfigure the power adaptor to operate at the higher power output level.