USB-PD Power Supply Switching for Image Processors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing apparatuses do not efficiently comply with the USB-PD standard for power delivery, which requires flexible voltage and current supply to connected devices, leading to suboptimal power management and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus with an image processor, a USB connector, an AC-DC converter, a variable output DC-DC converter, and a switching unit, controlled by a controller to switch between modes for efficient power delivery based on power requests from external devices, ensuring compliance with the USB-PD standard by adjusting voltage and current supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the apparatus operates in normal mode with AC-DC converter supplying power to image processor and DC-DC converter supplying power to external device, then the image processor receives stable power, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between two operational modes (normal mode and power-saving mode) based on real-time power delivery requirements. The switching unit dynamically reconfigures the power supply topology to adapt to changing load conditions, thereby optimizing the balance between reliability and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching between different power conversion configurations. In normal mode, full AC-DC-DC conversion is used for stable power delivery. In power-saving mode, the system transitions to direct AC-DC conversion when USB-PD power delivery is not required, effectively changing the power conversion parameters to reduce consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the apparatus switches to power-saving mode to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but adaptability to different power requirements decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its power delivery capability by switching between modes. When high adaptability is needed (USB-PD power delivery required), normal mode is activated with full conversion capability. When adaptability requirements are lower (no USB-PD needed), power-saving mode reduces power consumption while maintaining essential functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply system is designed with multi-functionality to serve dual purposes: it can operate as a full-featured AC-DC-DC converter for high-adaptability scenarios, or as a simpler AC-DC converter for low-power scenarios. This universal design allows the same hardware to fulfill different functional requirements based on operational context.
3Adaptability or versatility
If USB-PD standard compliance is implemented with variable voltage output, then versatility in device compatibility increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power conversion system is segmented into distinct functional modules: AC-DC converter, DC-DC converter, and switching unit. This segmentation allows independent control and optimization of each module, managing complexity by breaking down the overall system into manageable, functionally-specific components that can be activated based on requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a universal power supply architecture that can deliver multiple voltage levels (5V, 12V, 20V) through a single integrated design. The AC-DC converter combined with DC-DC converter provides universal voltage output capability, eliminating the need for separate power conversion circuits for each voltage level, thereby managing complexity while maintaining versatility.
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 apparatus effectively manages power delivery by switching between normal and power-saving modes, maintaining stable voltage supply to external devices while optimizing power consumption and conversion efficiency, thus enhancing compliance with the USB-PD standard.
Implementation Method 1
an AC-DC converter configured to convert an alternating voltage supplied from a commercial power source to a first direct voltage and output the first direct voltage
Implementation Method 2
a variable output DC-DC converter configured to convert the first direct voltage output by the AC-DC converter to a second direct voltage and output the second direct voltage, the second direct voltage output by the variable output DC-DC converter being variable
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus has a normal mode and a power saving mode as a power consumption mode. In the normal mode in which an image processor requires electric power supply, a direct voltage output by an AC-DC converter is supplied to the image processor. A voltage according to a power feed request from an external device connected to an USB connector is output by a variable output DC-DC converter via a power-feed terminal. In the power saving mode in which the electric power supply for the image processor in unnecessary, the voltage according to the power feed request from the external device connected to the USB connector is output by the AC-DC converter without routing through the variable output DC-DC converter.