Single Power Supply with Dynamic Load Balancing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power supply systems for computer systems often result in waste of power capacity and clutter due to the use of separate power supplies for each device, which can lead to overheating and damage if the total power demand exceeds the maximum rating.

Innovation Solution

A power management apparatus that uses a single power supply with a rating lower than the sum of the peak power demands of all devices, coupled with a controller that communicates with devices to self-limit power demand when the total power approaches an upper threshold, thereby optimizing power usage and reducing cable clutter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate power supplies are used for each device, then each device can operate independently, but power capacity is wasted and cable clutter increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent device operationVSAvoidpower capacity waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate power supplies into a single shared power supply unit that serves multiple devices. The power supply is rated for a lower individual power level than the sum of peak demands, but through coordinated operation and demand averaging, multiple devices can share the power capacity efficiently, eliminating wasted capacity and reducing cable clutter while maintaining independent device operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Device complexity

If a single power supply with lower rating is used, then cable clutter is reduced and power capacity is optimized, but the risk of overheating and damage increases if total power demand exceeds maximum rating

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable clutter reductionVSAvoidoverheating and damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where devices communicate their power demand to a controller, which monitors total power consumption. When the sum of power demands approaches the maximum rating of the single power supply, the controller coordinates power reduction with devices to prevent exceeding the maximum rating, thereby avoiding overheating and damage while maintaining the benefits of reduced cable clutter and optimized power capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If power demand is self-limited when approaching threshold, then power capacity is optimized and safety is improved, but device performance may be restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower safetyVSAvoiddevice performance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power management where the power supply rating and device performance requirements are balanced through coordinated operation. When total power demand approaches the maximum rating, the system dynamically adjusts power distribution and device operation to maintain safety while preserving performance as much as possible. The single power supply operates at a lower individual rating than the sum of peak demands, but through demand averaging and coordinated operation, devices can achieve their performance requirements without exceeding safety limits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3969983B1Power management systems
Publication Date: 2025.01.22 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP
  • EP3969983B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3969983B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3969983B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An example of an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a power supply to connect to a power source. The power supply is to receive and to distribute a total power from the power source. The apparatus further includes a first device to receive a first portion of the total power from the power supply. The apparatus further includes a second device to receive a second portion of the total power from the power supply. A sum of the first portion and the second portion is the total power. In addition, the apparatus includes a controller to control the second device, wherein the controller is to determine the total power demanded by the first device and the second device. The controller is to reduce the second portion of the total power and to restore the second portion of the total power.