Smart Power Supply with Automatic Load Sense
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power supply designs struggle to accommodate dynamic and peak power demands of electronic components, leading to frequent redesigns, excess development costs, and delayed implementation schedules due to the difficulty in predicting unique and increased power requirements.
Innovation Solution
A power supply system incorporating an automatic load sense (ALS) component that monitors and regulates current and power output across multiple voltage lines, preventing overload by comparing measured values to predetermined thresholds and adjusting power distribution accordingly, including the use of a microprocessor to control voltage lines and notify external components of excessive power draw.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a power supply is designed to accommodate peak power demands, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic load sensing that continuously monitors current draw and automatically adjusts power distribution in real-time. The ALS component dynamically reallocates power from idle voltage lines to lines with higher demand, allowing the system to adapt to changing load conditions without requiring oversizing for peak demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the power supply by monitoring current draw on each voltage line and adjusting power allocation based on actual usage. When a voltage line is not drawing its full allocated current, that excess capacity is redirected to other lines experiencing higher demand, optimizing the overall power distribution.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional power supply designs are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to varying power demands deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an automatic load sense component that provides continuous feedback on current draw from each voltage line. This feedback mechanism enables the power supply to automatically sense and respond to changing load conditions, reallocate power capacity, and maintain optimal performance across varying demand scenarios without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply design achieves multi-functionality by enabling a single power supply unit to serve multiple different load configurations. Through dynamic power allocation based on actual usage patterns, the same hardware can efficiently support diverse system configurations and power demand profiles without requiring redesign.
3Productivity
If power supply capacity is increased to meet unpredictable demands, then productivity is improved, but loss of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by allocating power capacity based on actual usage rather than providing full capacity to all lines simultaneously. The ALS component directs power only to the extent needed by each voltage line, avoiding the energy waste associated with maintaining excessive standby capacity across all output lines.
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply includes an input component that receives power from a source and an automatic load sense (ALS) component associated with the power supply that monitors and regulates at least two or more of current and power output from the power supply. An output component that provides power from the ALS component to one or more variable load components.