Smart USB-PD Outlets for Aircraft Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft and other means of transport often face power limitations, preventing devices from receiving the maximum power required due to limited power availability, leading to denial of access to additional user devices once a safe power level is reached.
Innovation Solution
Implementing smart USB-PD outlets that connect to a power bus, sense the available capacity, and control power delivery by renegotiating power levels when the total system power approaches its limit, ensuring safe power distribution without interrupting basic device operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If USB power outlets provide maximum power to devices, then device charging performance is improved, but total system power loading exceeds safe levels
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts power delivery levels based on real-time monitoring of total system power loading. When the power bus approaches its safe limit, the system renegotiates power levels with connected devices, reducing power delivery adaptively while maintaining safe operation levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The USB-PD outlet continuously senses the output characteristic indicating total system power loading and uses this feedback to control power delivery. The system monitors power consumption and adjusts its output accordingly, reducing power when limits are approached and restoring it when capacity is available.
2Reliability
If USB power outlets deny access to additional devices when power limit is reached, then system safety is maintained, but user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of statically denying access to devices when power limits are reached, the system dynamically negotiates power levels with each device. This allows multiple devices to remain connected and operational while sharing the available power capacity, improving user convenience while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the power delivery parameter dynamically based on system conditions. When power capacity is sufficient, devices receive full power; when limits are approached, power levels are renegotiated and adjusted, allowing continuous device access with adaptive power allocation.
3Reliability
If USB power outlets reduce power delivery when system limit is approached, then system safety is maintained, but device charging capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic monitoring and renegotiation of power levels. When power limits are approached, power delivery is temporarily reduced through renegotiation, but devices can resume higher power levels when capacity becomes available, creating a periodic pattern that maintains both safety and charging productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The power delivery parameter is adjusted dynamically based on system conditions. The system changes power levels from maximum to reduced levels when needed, and can restore higher levels when capacity is available, optimizing the balance between safety and charging capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft-based power system includes at least one smart universal serial bus (USB-PD (Power Delivery)) outlet. The at least one smart universal serial bus (USB-PD (Power Delivery)) outlet being configured to connect to a power bus that receives power from a power source system. The at least one smart universal serial bus (USB-PD (Power Delivery)) outlet is further configured to control power delivery.