SMPS Power Blocking Unit Reduces Standby Consumption

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional switching mode power supplies (SMPS) face challenges in reducing power consumption during power saving modes, leading to increased carbon dioxide emissions and higher unit costs due to unnecessary power blocking mechanisms and conduction losses.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a power supply method using at least two transformers, with a rectifier, switching units, and a power blocking unit that blocks power supply to the startup and power voltage terminals during power saving modes, reducing standby power consumption and eliminating conduction losses by halting the operation of the first switching unit and maintaining operation of the main control module with a secondary output voltage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a conventional SMPS operates in power saving mode with a single transformer and switching control unit, then the device maintains basic functionality, but power consumption remains high due to unnecessary operation of switching units and conduction losses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidfunctional operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system is divided into multiple independent output units, each with its own transformer and switching control unit. During power saving mode, only the necessary output unit operates while others are blocked, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining essential functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The switching control units operate periodically based on power mode requirements. In power saving mode, switching is enabled only when needed for essential outputs, while non-essential switching operations are blocked to reduce power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Loss of energy

If power supply is blocked to switching control units during power saving mode, then standby power consumption is reduced, but the device may lose functionality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestandby power consumptionVSAvoiddevice functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into multiple independent switching control units, each capable of autonomous operation. This allows selective blocking of non-essential control units during power saving mode while maintaining functionality of essential units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The power blocking unit dynamically adjusts which switching control units remain operational based on power mode requirements. During power saving mode, it selectively blocks non-essential units while maintaining power supply to units needed for basic functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of energy

If multiple transformers are used to enable selective blocking, then power consumption is reduced in power saving mode, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestandby power consumptionVSAvoidnumber of transformers

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each transformer and switching control unit combination is designed to be multi-functional, capable of serving different output requirements. This universality allows the system to use multiple identical modular units rather than complex custom-designed components, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This approach significantly reduces standby power consumption in power saving modes, preventing conduction losses and lowering the overall cost of the SMPS by ensuring the main control module operates while minimizing power usage, thus adhering to stricter carbon dioxide reduction regulations.

Implementation Method 1

a rectifier to rectify an alternating current (AC) voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRectification: Diode

Implementation Method 2

a first switching unit to switch the voltage rectified by the rectifier using a first transformer from among the at least two transformers so as to convert the rectified voltage into a first output voltage of the SMPS

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9093905B2Switching mode power supply and power supply method using the same

Publication Date: 2015.07.28 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

A switching mode power supply (SMPS) and a power supply method using the SMPS, the SMPS including: a rectifier to rectify an alternating current (AC) voltage; a first switching unit to switch the voltage rectified by the rectifier; a first switching control unit to control the first switching unit; and a power blocking unit to block power supply to the first switching control unit in a power saving mode.