Universal Power Interface for Multi-Source Energy Harvesting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power interfaces for electronic devices are inefficient and costly due to the need for multiple connectors and adapters for various alternative energy sources, which result in power loss, environmental impact, and incompatibility issues, especially with unstable voltage supplies and 'dumb' power sources like solar energy harvesters.

Innovation Solution

A universal power interface that includes a physical connector and impedance matching circuitry, using a USB input port to automatically detect and direct power from any source, eliminating the need for additional communication hardware and reducing costs by integrating control logic into existing ICs or a system on chip.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connectors and adapters are used for various alternative energy sources, then compatibility with different power sources is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different power sourcesVSAvoidnumber of connectors and adapters

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal power interface that can accept multiple types of power sources (solar panels, hand cranks, batteries, wall adapters) through a single standardized connector. The interface includes impedance matching circuitry and detection logic that automatically identifies the connected power source type and configures the circuit accordingly, eliminating the need for multiple specialized connectors and adapters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Stability of the object's composition

If DC/DC regulator is inserted in power delivery path to stabilize voltage, then voltage stability is improved, but power loss and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage stabilityVSAvoidpower loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an impedance matching circuit as an intermediary between the power source and the electronic device. This circuit includes detection logic that identifies the power source type and adjusts impedance accordingly, providing voltage stabilization through passive circuit elements rather than active DC/DC conversion, thereby reducing power loss and component cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Power

If USB Power Connector with communication hardware is used, then power delivery capability is improved, but cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower delivery capabilityVSAvoidcommunication hardware logic

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential power delivery function from the complex USB Power Connector specification, implementing only the necessary power transmission and basic detection capabilities. The solution uses simple voltage detection and impedance matching circuitry instead of full USB communication protocols, achieving adequate power delivery without the overhead of transceiver ICs and control messaging hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS9287702B2Universal power interface

Publication Date: 2016.03.15 INTEL CORP

AI summary

An electronic device is provided that may include an input port to couple to an external device, and a universal power interface to determine a type of the external device connected to the input port based at least on a voltage of a voltage supply line. The universal power interface may provide a power delivery path based on the determined type of the external device.