Supercapacitor Power Adapter for Edge Device Backup and Peak Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power adapters for edge devices face challenges such as sudden power outages, unknown power supply failures, and peak power supply limitations, leading to critical data loss, hardware damage, and performance issues, while traditional solutions like Li-ion batteries and SuperCAP modules complicate system design and require additional cabling.
Innovation Solution
A power adapter integrating a Supercapacitor pack and a Micro Controller Unit (MCU) that supports real-time status monitoring, provides backup power without system hardware changes, and enables intelligent power management through standard interfaces like USB Type-C, facilitating both power delivery and data communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Li-ion battery or SuperCAP module is added to power adapter, then power backup capability is improved, but device complexity and interface cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the SuperCAP module with the power adapter into a single integrated unit. The SuperCAP is embedded within the adapter's housing, sharing the same chassis and interface structure. This eliminates the need for separate external modules and additional cabling, reducing system complexity while maintaining power backup functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The power adapter is designed to perform multiple functions: normal power delivery, power backup during outages, and data communication via USB Type-C interface. The integrated design allows the adapter to serve as both a power supply device and a power backup system without requiring separate hardware components.
2Reliability
If external SuperCAP module is used with cabling connections, then power backup is provided, but additional cabling and interface cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The SuperCAP module is physically merged with the power adapter housing, eliminating the need for external cabling. The capacitor is mounted internally within the adapter's chassis, sharing the same physical enclosure and connection points, thus removing all interconnection cables and reducing interface requirements.
3Reliability
If SuperCAP module requires main board or chassis change, then power backup capability is achieved, but ease of manufacture and deployment deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The power adapter is designed as a self-contained module with the SuperCAP embedded within it. This segmented design allows the entire adapter assembly to be manufactured and tested as a complete unit, then deployed as a replacement for traditional adapters without requiring modifications to the edge device's main board or chassis.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated power adapter provides all necessary functions including power conversion, power backup, and communication through its own internal components. It does not require the edge device to provide any special hardware support or modifications, making deployment straightforward and maintaining compatibility with standard edge devices.
4Device complexity
If traditional power adapter is used, then simplicity is maintained, but sudden power outage and peak power supply limitations cause data loss and performance issues
Solution Approach 1:
The SuperCAP is integrated within the power adapter to provide instantaneous power backup during outages and supplemental power during peak demand. This merged design maintains the simple form factor of a traditional adapter while adding reliability features through the embedded capacitor that can deliver power independently when needed.
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
Ensures reliable power backup, data integrity, and efficient peak power supply without adding design complexity, enhancing user experience and device performance by integrating a Supercapacitor pack and MCU for intelligent power management.
Implementation Method 1
A Supercapacitor (SuperCAP) pack, configured to: discharge to supply power to the edge device when a power failure event occurs
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure described herein generally relates to an apparatus, including: a Micro Controller Unit (MCU), configured to: monitor a working status of the apparatus; and communicate with an edge device when the edge device is connected with the apparatus; a Supercapacitor (SuperCAP) pack, configured to: discharge to supply power to the edge device when a power failure event occurs; and discharge to supply power to the edge device when a Central Processing Unit (CPU) of the edge device has a transient high peak current; a Buck-Boost voltage regulator controller, configured to drive a power stage MOSFET to regulate charging and discharging of the SuperCAP pack; and a power failure detection unit, configured to detect the power failure event.