Universal Power Adapter With AC-DC and DC-DC Up/Down Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Laptop computers face challenges with non-interchangeable power adapters due to varying voltage and power level requirements across different brands and international power sources, making it difficult for travelers to find compatible charging solutions.

Innovation Solution

A universal power conversion device that receives AC and/or DC power and provides a regulated DC output, featuring AC-to-DC and non-isolated DC-to-DC up/down converter circuitry, along with a controller to manage voltage levels and protect against overvoltage, overcurrent, and overtemperature conditions, allowing for selectable voltage outputs suitable for diverse power sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If different power adapters are used for different laptop brands and models, then each adapter can provide the specific voltage and power level required by that device, but travelers must carry multiple adapters and cannot easily replace a lost or malfunctioning adapter

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply compatibilityVSAvoidadapter interchangeability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The power adapter is designed with a universal input interface that can accept multiple types of power sources including AC power outlets and DC power sources such as automobile cigarette lighter sockets. The adapter includes switching circuitry that can operate in different modes (AC-to-DC conversion mode and DC-to-DC conversion mode) depending on the input source, making a single adapter suitable for use with various laptop brands and models as well as different power sources during travel

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If AC-to-DC converter circuitry is used to convert AC voltage to DC voltage for laptop power supply, then the adapter can utilize standard AC power outlets, but the adapter cannot directly utilize DC power sources such as automobile cigarette lighters or airplane power outlets

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower source compatibilityVSAvoidpower conversion reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The power adapter incorporates a dynamic switching mechanism that can operate in different conversion modes based on the input power source type. When AC power is detected, the AC-to-DC converter circuitry is activated. When DC power is detected (such as from a cigarette lighter socket), the DC-to-DC up/down converter circuitry is activated. This dynamic adaptability allows the single adapter to reliably convert various input power sources to the appropriate DC output voltage for the laptop

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If DC-to-DC up/down converter circuitry is used to directly convert DC voltage to different DC voltage levels, then the adapter can utilize DC power sources like automobile cigarette lighters, but the adapter generates heat during voltage conversion

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveDC power source utilizationVSAvoidconverter heat generation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The power adapter incorporates thermal management mechanisms including heat sinks and thermal coupling structures that act as intermediaries between the DC-to-DC converter circuitry and the surrounding environment. These thermal management components facilitate heat dissipation from the converter circuitry, allowing the adapter to utilize DC power sources effectively while maintaining acceptable operating temperatures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables conversion of various AC and DC voltage levels to a regulated DC output, providing a compact, cost-effective, and heat-efficient solution for charging laptops across different power sources, including automotive and international outlets.

Implementation Method 1

AC-to-DC converter circuitry coupled to the AC input and to the output and configured to convert an AC voltage received at the AC input into a first output DC voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAC-to-DC conversion:

Implementation Method 2

non-isolated DC-to-DC up/down converter circuitry coupled to the DC input and to the output and configured to directly convert an input DC voltage received at the DC input into a second output DC voltage that is one of a down-converted DC voltage that is lower than the input DC voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDC-to-DC down conversion:

Implementation Method 3

an up-converted DC voltage that is higher than the input DC voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDC-to-DC up conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS7529110B1Universal power adapter

Publication Date: 2009.05.05 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IT CORP

AI summary

A power conversion device for receiving AC and/or DC power and providing a DC output includes: an AC input; a DC input; an output; AC-to-DC converter circuitry coupled to the AC input and to the output and configured to convert an AC voltage received at the AC input into a first output DC voltage and to provide the first output DC voltage to the output; and non-isolated DC-to-DC up/down converter circuitry coupled to the DC input and to the output and configured to directly convert an input DC voltage received at the DC input into a second output DC voltage that is one of a down-converted DC voltage that is lower than the input DC voltage and an up-converted DC voltage that is higher than the input DC voltage, the DC-to-DC up/down converter circuitry being further configured to provide the second output DC voltage to the output.