Storage System Charging Port Power Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional charging methods for electronic devices often require longer cables, which are not included with the devices and can be expensive, and may not be feasible due to limited wall outlets, leading to potential cable entanglement and insufficient power supply.
Innovation Solution
A storage system with a communications port that connects to electronic devices, providing power and data communication, featuring a power supply unit, switch unit, host controller, charge controller, storage device, and network access unit, allowing for variable power supply and reduced power consumption modes to optimize charging and data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a longer cable is used to reach a wall outlet, then the electronic device can be charged, but the cable may be caught on by objects or persons and additional cables need to be purchased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power outlet function from the wall and relocates it to the storage system itself. The storage system includes a power supply unit and communications port that can charge electronic devices directly, eliminating the need for external wall outlets and long cables. This removes the cable entanglement hazard while preserving charging accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If wall outlets are limited in number and location, then charging accessibility is restricted, but using power strips may also be insufficient for multiple devices
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is designed with multi-functionality to serve both data storage and power delivery purposes. The communications port can detect connected devices and automatically provide appropriate power levels, while the system can support multiple simultaneous charging operations through its power management architecture, eliminating the need for multiple wall outlets or power strips.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic power management where the power supply unit can adjust power delivery based on device requirements and system state. The host controller coordinates between the power supply unit and communications port to dynamically allocate power resources, enabling flexible support for multiple devices with varying power needs.
3Ease of operation
If the storage system supplies power to an electronic device, then the device can be charged, but the storage system consumes additional power from its power source
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes power delivery parameters dynamically based on operational needs. The power supply unit can adjust voltage and current levels according to the charging state of connected devices, transitioning between different power modes to optimize energy efficiency while maintaining charging capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage system including a storage device comprising a media configured to store data, wherein the storage device is configured to be in a first operating mode or a second operating mode comprising a reduced power mode relative to the first operating mode, a communications port configured to connect to an electronic device, the communications port comprising one or more data lines configured to communicate data to the electronic device and to configure power supplied to the electronic device, and one or more controllers. The one or more controllers are configured to control an operation of the storage device, communicate data to the electronic device using the one or more data lines when the storage device is in the first operating mode, and configure power supplied to the electronic device using the one or more data lines when the storage device is in the second operating mode.