Single-Converter Power Shutdown for Output and Auxiliary Rails

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power systems with separate power converters for output and auxiliary power face increased costs and space limitations, and can disrupt the power down sequence, leading to issues with fault logging and data integrity.

Innovation Solution

A power system with a single power converter that provides both output and auxiliary power, managed by a controller that interrupts power based on thresholds to maintain a proper power down sequence, eliminating the need for an additional converter and ensuring reliable data logging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate power converters are used for output power and auxiliary power, then power conversion functions are provided, but system size and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower conversion functionVSAvoidsystem size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the output power converter and auxiliary power converter into a single integrated power converter. The controller manages both output power and auxiliary power conversion functions within one converter unit, eliminating the need for separate converters and reducing overall system size while maintaining both power conversion capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single power converter is designed to perform multiple functions: it can convert power for the main output and simultaneously provide auxiliary power conversion. The controller dynamically allocates the converter's capacity between output power and auxiliary power based on system needs, making the converter a universal power conversion solution

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate power converters are used for output power and auxiliary power, then power conversion is provided, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower conversion functionVSAvoidconverter quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two separate power converters into one integrated unit. The single converter includes control circuitry that manages both output power conversion and auxiliary power conversion, reducing the number of discrete components and simplifying the overall device architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated power converter is designed as a multi-functional device that can operate in different modes: providing full output power, providing auxiliary power, or operating in power-saving mode. This universal design reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for multiple specialized converters

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

3Duration of action of moving object

If output power is interrupted first during power loss, then power down sequence is established, but auxiliary power interruption is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauxiliary power durationVSAvoiddata logging reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The controller is configured to interrupt output power before interrupting auxiliary power during a power loss event. This preliminary action ensures that the auxiliary power continues to supply the load for a longer duration, providing a buffer period that allows for complete power down sequencing and reliable data logging before the auxiliary power is finally interrupted

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3014739B1Interruption of output power and auxiliary power
Publication Date: 2023.12.20 HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEV LP
  • EP3014739B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3014739B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3014739B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Examples disclose a system comprising a power supply, coupled to an output power and an auxiliary power. The system is further comprising a controller to interrupt the output power through a switch coupled to the output. The controller is to interrupt the output power based a determination the output power is below an output threshold. The controller is further to interrupt the auxiliary power coupled to the output. The controller is to interrupt the auxiliary power based on a determination the auxiliary power is below an auxiliary threshold. Additionally, the system discloses the switch is to disconnect the output power.