Split Package AC Adapter for High Current Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art power adapters face inefficiencies and increased size, weight, and cost when dealing with high output current applications due to power loss and voltage drop in long output cords, requiring thicker wires and compromising flexibility and convenience.
Innovation Solution
A split packaging design for the power adapter, featuring separate AC-DC and DC-DC power converters connected by short DC cords, allowing for thinner, more flexible AC cords and reduced DC cords, enhancing heat dissipation and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a long output cord is used to connect the AC-DC converter to the output terminal, then the power adapter can reach distant devices, but power loss increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power conversion function into two separate stages: AC-DC conversion and DC-DC conversion. The AC-DC converter is placed near the power source while the DC-DC converter is placed near the load, with only the high-voltage low-current DC cord connecting them. This segmentation allows the output cord to be short while maintaining long-distance power delivery capability through the intermediate DC-DC converter.
2Length of moving object
If a long output cord is used, then the power adapter can reach distant devices, but voltage drop increases and output regulation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the AC-DC and DC-DC converters into distinct units, the patent enables the DC-DC converter to be positioned close to the load device. This placement ensures stable voltage regulation at the output end, compensating for any voltage drops in the transmission cord.
3Power
If high output current is generated, then the power adapter can supply sufficient power to high current devices, but the output wire must be thicker increasing size and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the current parameter along the transmission path by introducing a DC-DC converter. The converter changes the high current into lower current for transmission through the cord, then restores it to high current at the output. This parameter transformation allows the use of thinner, lighter cords while maintaining high output current capability.
4Power
If high output current is generated, then the power adapter can supply sufficient power to high current devices, but the output wire must be thicker increasing cost
Solution Approach 1:
By using the DC-DC converter to transform current parameters, the patent reduces the current magnitude during cord transmission. This allows the use of less expensive, thinner-gauge wiring while still achieving high output current at the final destination, thereby reducing overall manufacturing cost.
5Volume of moving object
If the power adapter uses a compact design, then portability improves, but heat dissipation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the power conversion functions into two distinct units: a compact AC-DC converter and a separate DC-DC converter. This segmentation distributes the heat-generating components across two separate housings, improving heat dissipation for each unit while maintaining overall system compactness through modular design.
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
The solution results in a more efficient, cost-effective, and compact power adapter with improved power regulation, reduced size and weight, and increased convenience, particularly beneficial for high current applications.
Implementation Method 1
An alternating current (AC) voltage is converted by the power converter 3 into direct current (DC) voltage
Implementation Method 2
a DC-DC power converter separated from the AC-DC power converter, and an output terminal. The power AC input terminal, AC-DC power converter, DC-DC power converter and the output terminal are connected sequentially via cords
Data Source
AI summary
A power adapter, including an AC input terminal, an AC-DC power converter, a DC-DC power converter, and an output terminal, wherein the AC-DC power converter and the DC-DC power converter are separate components, and wherein the power AC input terminal, AC-DC power converter, DC-DC power converter and the output terminal are connected sequentially via a plurality of cords.