Single battery switching type float power system

Abstract

The power system 24 for the parade float 10 includes a first power source 28, a second power source 30, and an interlocking contact 36. The power system also includes a selector switch 38 coupled to the interlocking contact 36, and the interlocking contact 36 is configured to switch between the first power source 28 and the second power source 30 to output power to the parade float 10 using the selected power source in response to the selection of the power source from the first power source 28 and the second power source 30 using the selector switch 38.

Description

Background Art

[0001] This section is for introducing readers to various aspects of technologies that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure described below. This consideration is thought to be helpful in showing readers the background circumstances and promoting a better understanding of various aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that these descriptions should be read from the above viewpoints rather than as an admission of prior art.

[0002] Since the early 20th century, the popularity of amusement parks (or theme parks) has increased significantly. One of the attractions in amusement parks is a parade featuring themed parade floats with various characteristics (e.g., glowing characteristics, moving characteristics, special effect characteristics, etc.). As the parade floats become larger, they can include more characteristics that consume power (e.g., lights). Some of these characteristics can utilize different output voltages from the power system. However, the parade floats have limited space for a power system, especially a power system that uses multiple batteries to output different voltages. Also, when the parade is used in a static mode, if the batteries cannot be charged quickly enough to handle the power consumption, the range of time for which the parade floats can be used may be limited. Therefore, it is considered desirable to provide a power system for parade floats that offers more flexibility.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] Some embodiments within the same scope as the subject matter of the original claims are summarized below. These embodiments do not limit the scope of the present disclosure; rather, they merely show an overview of possible forms of the present subject matter. In fact, the present disclosure can include various forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments shown below.

[0004] In one embodiment, a power system for a parade float includes a first power source, a second power source, and an interlocking contactor. The power system also includes a selector switch coupled to the interlocking contactor, and the interlocking contactor is configured to switch between the first power source and the second power source to use the selected power source to output power to the parade float in response to a selection of power from the first power source and the second power source using the selector switch.

[0005] In one embodiment, a parade float includes a power system. The power system includes a battery bank. The power system also includes a plurality of direct current (DC) / DC converters coupled to the battery bank and configured to supply power to the parade float at a correct output voltage. The power system further includes a plurality of alternating current (AC) / DC converters coupled to an AC power source and configured to supply power to the parade float at a correct output voltage. The power system further includes an interlocking contactor coupled to at least one of the plurality of DC / DC converters and at least one of the plurality of AC / DC converters. The power system further includes a selector switch coupled to the interlocking contactor, and the interlocking contactor is configured to switch between the battery bank and the AC power source to use the selected power source to output power to the parade float in response to a selection of power from the battery bank and the AC power source using the selector switch.

[0006] In one embodiment, a method of controlling a power system for a parade float includes receiving a selection of a power mode from an alternating current (AC) mode and a direct current (DC) mode via a selector switch coupled to an interlock contact, the interlock contact being coupled to a plurality of DC / DC converters and a plurality of AC / DC converters, the plurality of DC / DC converters and the plurality of AC / DC converters being configured to supply power to the parade float at a correct output voltage. The method also includes outputting power to the parade float via a plurality of DC / DC converters coupled to a battery bank disposed on the parade float in response to the DC mode being selected. The method further includes outputting power to the parade float via a plurality of AC / DC converters coupled to an AC power source in response to the AC mode being selected. The interlock contact enables only one power source at a time from the battery bank and the AC power source to supply power to the parade float.

[0007] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like elements are denoted with like symbols throughout.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5A

Figure 5B

Figure 5C

Figure 6A-1

Figure 6A-2

Figure 6A-3

Figure 6B-1

Figure 6B-2

Figure 6B-3

Figure 7A

Figure 7B

Figure 7C

Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] This disclosure generally relates to parade floats. Specifically, embodiments of this disclosure relate to a power system for a parade float.

[0010] Hereinafter, one or more specific embodiments of this disclosure will be described. For the sake of brevity in explaining these embodiments, not all implementation features may be described herein. It should be understood that in any such implementation development found in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve a developer's specific objectives, such as complying with system-related and business-related constraints that may vary depending on the implementation. Further, although such development efforts can be complex and time-consuming, it should be understood that for those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure, they are routine endeavors in design, fabrication, and manufacture.

[0011] When introducing elements of various embodiments of this disclosure, articles such as "a," "an," and "the" are to be taken to mean that there are one or two or three or more of these elements. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that additional elements other than the recited elements may exist. Also, it should be understood that references to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or "some embodiments" of this disclosure are not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also include the recited features.

[0012] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for supplying power to a float (e.g., a parade float) using a power system (e.g., a switchable source float power system). For example, the disclosed systems and methods include a first power source, a second power source, an interlocked contactor (i.e., a pair of interlocked contactors such as a reversing contactor with a removed crossover bridge, but with the crossover bridge removed), and a selector switch coupled to the interlocked contactor. The interlocked contactor is configured to switch between the first power source and the second power source to output power to the float using the selected power source in response to a selection of power from the first power source and the second power source. The interlocked contactor utilizes a parallel bridge on the output side of the interlocked contactor and lacks a crossover bridge for crossing the AC phase. The power system (and the interlocked contactor) enables only one of the power sources (out of the first power source and the second power source) to supply power to the float at the same time. In some embodiments, the first power source and the second power source include different battery banks. In some embodiments, the first power source includes a battery bank (utilized in DC mode), and the second power source includes an AC power source (e.g., building power from a building utilized in AC mode). In DC mode, a plurality of DC / DC converters coupled to the battery bank are configured to supply power at the correct output voltage to the float. In AC mode, a plurality of AC / DC converters are configured to couple to the AC power source (e.g., via a standard wall circuit (i.e., an electrical outlet)) to supply power at the correct output voltage to the float. One or more than one of the correct output voltages can be various. The disclosed systems and methods enable tool-free power switching. Also, the disclosed systems and methods enable the float to operate in a static display mode for an extended period of time.Furthermore, the disclosed systems and methods enable supplying different output voltages without the need to utilize multiple different batteries (or battery banks) with different voltages, which can take up a lot of space and be expensive.

[0013] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a float 10 (e.g., a parade float) utilizing a power system (e.g., a switched source float power system). The float 10 can include many features or elements that require power. These features or elements can be part of the overall theme of the float. As shown in Figure 1, the float 10 includes a light feature 12 (i.e., a feature that lights up). The number of light features 12 on the float 10 can vary. Each light feature 12 can include many light sources (e.g., light emitting diodes (LEDs)). The number of light sources can vary from hundreds to thousands. The light sources can be lit continuously or intermittently (e.g., in a specific order or pattern). Also, the light sources can have their intensity varied during use (e.g., via a dimmer). As shown in Figure 1, the float 10 includes a feature 14 that includes a mechanical element that moves as indicated by arrow 16. For example, feature 14 or a part of it can rotate, move vertically, move horizontally, or move in some other way. The number of features 14 that include a moving mechanical element can vary. The float 10 can also include other types of features that provide special effects (e.g., smoke, sound, etc.).

[0014] Many of the features on the float 10 (e.g., the optical feature 12, the feature 14, etc.) require power to utilize. Some of the features (e.g., the optical feature 12) may consume more power when the float 10 is utilized in a specific mode. For example, when the float is utilized in a static display mode (i.e., utilized statically while the feature is being used), the feature may consume power faster than it can be charged by the battery. The float 10 can include, in addition to the features on the float 10 related to the theme, features related to the operation of the float that may require power (e.g., various LEDs related to the power system of the float 10). Also, the features on the float 10 may need to be powered at different voltages (e.g., 12 volts (V), 24V, 51V, etc.). Usually, this requires many batteries (e.g., a battery bank) with different voltages, which can be expensive and take up a large amount of space.

[0015] The float 10 of FIG. 1 includes a large compartment or room 18 that houses components of a power system for the float 10 (e.g., a switched source float power system). The compartment 18 can house various enclosures for the components of the power system. For example, the compartment 18 can include one or more enclosures for one or more battery banks and related electrical components. The compartment 18 can also include one or more enclosures for one or more control panels and related electrical components (e.g., switches, converters, etc.) for the power system.

[0016] As described above, the power system utilized with the float 10 can be a switched source float power system. Specifically, the power system is configured to switch between a first power source that supplies power to the float 10 and a second power source that supplies power to the float 10 (and its features) such that only one power source is utilized at a time. The switching system enables the switching between different power sources without the need for tools. The switching is enabled by one or two or more interlocking contacts (for example, a pair of contacts that interlock such that only one contact of a pair closes (i.e., supplies power) at a time via a mechanical interlock and an electrical interlock). Each interlocking contact uses a parallel bridge on the output side. A pair of contacts is assembled in an interlocking configuration of a reversible contactor, but does not include a crossover bridge for reversing an AC motor. These features of the interlocking contacts enable switching between different power sources. Each power source is coupled to a converter that supplies power at the correct output voltage (and sometimes different output voltages). In some embodiments, the first power source and the second power source are different battery banks. In some embodiments, the first power source is a battery bank and the second power source is an AC power source (e.g., building power from a building) to which the float 10 is coupled via a standard wall circuit (i.e., electrical outlet). In the latter embodiment, the power system enables the float 10 to be powered either in a DC mode (via the battery bank) or in an AC mode (via the AC power source).

[0017] The float 10 includes a wheeled chassis for transporting the float 10. In FIG. 1, the wheeled chassis includes tires 20 on wheels 22. In some embodiments, the float 10 can be towed by another vehicle or an animal. In some embodiments, the float 10 can include an engine (e.g., a gasoline engine or an electric engine) and can be configured to be driven or self-propelled. In some embodiments, the float 10 can be driven via remote control. In some embodiments, the float 10 can be transported by other means (e.g., a watercraft (e.g., a boat, a barge, etc.)).

[0018] The float 10 can be a parade float having a theme or scene. The float 10 can be utilized within an amusement park or outside the amusement park as part of a parade. In some embodiments, the float 10 can be utilized as an advertisement.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the components of the float 10 of FIG. 1 (including the power system 24). The float 10 includes the light features 12, the actuation features 14 (e.g., moving mechanical elements), and other features 26 (e.g., components of the power system 24 (e.g., LED indicators, lights for a control panel, etc.), special effect features, etc.) as described above. These can be collectively referred to as features 12, 14, 26.

[0020] The float 10 also includes a power system 24 (e.g., a switched source float power system). The power system 24 supplies power to features 12, 14, 26 on the float 10. The power system 24 includes one or more power sources 28. One or more power sources 28 on the float 10 include one or more battery banks configured to supply power. In some embodiments, the power source 28 (e.g., the battery bank) on the float 10 can be a power source that is switched by the power system 24 when supplying power to the float 10. In some embodiments, the power system 24 can utilize power from a power source 30 independent of the float 10 (e.g., an AC power source such as a building power source from the building supplied through coupling the float 10 to a standard wall circuit of the building (i.e., an electrical outlet)). The power source 30 can also supply power to the float 10.

[0021] The power system 24 also includes various electrical components 32 that supply power from the power sources 28, 30 to the features 12, 14, 26 of the float 10. The electrical components 32 can include a plurality of converters 34. The converters 34 include a plurality of DC / DC converters for supplying the correct output voltage to the features 12, 14, 26 of the float 10 when the power system 24 is operating in DC mode (e.g., utilizing one or more battery banks for power). The converters 34 also include a plurality of AC / DC converters for supplying the correct output voltage to the features 12, 14, 26 of the float 10 when the power system 24 is operating in AC mode (e.g., utilizing an AC power source). One or more of the correct output voltages can be different.

[0022] The electrical component 32 also includes one or more interlocking contacts 36 (for example, a pair of contacts assembled in an interlocking configuration in a reversible contact configuration but without a crossover bridge for reversing an AC motor). The converter 34 (for example, both a DC / DC converter and an AC / DC converter) is coupled to one or more interlocking contacts 36. In some embodiments, the converter 34 is disposed between and coupled to both power sources 28, 30 and one or more contacts 36. In some embodiments, the converter 34 is coupled to the contact 36 but is disposed downstream of both power sources 28, 30 and one or more contacts 36. Each interlocking contact 36 utilizes a parallel bridge on the output side. The electrical component 32 also includes one or more selector switches 38 coupled to one or more interlocking contacts 36. The one or more selector switches 38 are configured to enable selection of the power sources 28, 30 to be utilized by the power system 24 when supplying power to the features 12, 14, and 26 of the float 10. In some embodiments, the selector switch 38 can be a signal from a computerized control system. Selection of the desired power sources 28, 30 and the features of the interlocking contacts 36 (for example, via the selector switch 38) enable switching between different power sources 28, 30. Other electrical components 32 can include contacts, distribution blocks, relays, circuit breakers, fuses, and other components.

[0023] In some embodiments, a portion of the components of the power system 24 can function as a primary power system for the features 12, 14, 26. In some embodiments, a portion of the components of the power system 24 can function as a secondary power system for other components of the float 10 (for example, the dimmer system 40). In some embodiments, the dimmer system 40 can be coupled to one or more of the light features 12 to modulate the light features 12 (for example, on / off, intensity of the emitted light, etc.).

[0024] In some embodiments, the float 10 can include a wheeled chassis 42 for moving the float 10. The wheeled chassis 42 can include tires and wheels (e.g., tires 20 and wheels 22 of FIG. 1). As described above, other means can also be utilized to move the float 10.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a switchable source flow power system 24 for a float. The power system 24 includes a first power source 44 (e.g., power source A) and a second power source 46 (e.g., power source B). The first power source 44 and the second power source 46 supply power to the interlocking contactor 36. In some embodiments, the first power source 44 can be a first battery bank and the second power source 46 can be a second battery bank. Each battery bank can be a high-performance battery (e.g., having a high power capacity that allows for higher density charging and more amperage discharge). In some embodiments, the first power source 44 can be a battery bank and the second power source 46 can be an AC power source (e.g., building power from a building) to which the float is coupled via a standard electrical outlet.

[0026] The interlocking contactor 36 utilizes a parallel bridge on the output side. A selector switch 38 is coupled to the interlocking contactor 36. The selector switch 38 enables selection of the power source to be utilized from the first power source 44 and the second power source 46 when supplying power to the float. Selection of the desired power sources 44, 46 (e.g., via the selector switch 38) and the characteristics of the interlocking contactor 36 enable switching between different power sources 44, 46. Power is output from one power source (as indicated by reference numeral 48) via the interlocking contactor 36. For example, when the first power source 44 is selected or switched to, power is supplied only to the float that utilizes the first power source 44. When the second power source 46 is selected or switched to, power is supplied only to the float that utilizes the second power source 46.

[0027] In some embodiments, a plurality of converters are disposed between and coupled to one of power supplies 44, 46 and interlock contactor 36. When the first power supply 44 is a battery bank, the converters include a plurality of DC / DC converters coupled to the first power supply 44 and interlock contactor 36, and the DC / DC converters supply the correct output voltage to float when the power system 24 is operating in DC mode (e.g., when using one or more battery banks for power). When the second power supply 46 is an AC power supply (e.g., building power), the converters include a plurality of AC / DC converters coupled to the second power supply 46 and interlock contactor 36, and the AC / DC converters provide the correct output voltage to float when the power system 224 is operating in AC mode (e.g., when using an AC power supply such as building power for power). One or more of the correct output voltages can be different.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a switchable source flow power system 24 for float (e.g., using battery power and AC power). The power system 24 includes a battery bank 50 and an AC power supply 52 (e.g., building power from a building to which the float is coupled via a standard electrical outlet). The battery bank 50 can be a high-performance battery. As shown, the battery bank 50 is a 51V battery bank. The voltage of the battery bank can be various. The DC / DC converter can be used to output the correct voltage output from the battery bank 50. For example, the correct voltage outputs can be 12V (as indicated by reference numeral 54) and 24V (as indicated by reference numeral 56). The battery bank 50 also outputs a voltage of 51V (as indicated by reference numeral 58). The DC / DC converter can also be used to output another correct voltage output (e.g., 48V). The power system 24 includes an interlock contactor 36. Different voltage outputs are supplied to the interlock contactor 36.

[0029] AC power from an AC power source 52 (e.g., a building). The DC / DC converter can be used to output the correct voltage from the AC power source 52. For example, the correct voltage output can be 12V (as indicated by reference numeral 60), 24V (as indicated by reference numeral 62), and 48V (as indicated by reference numeral 64). The battery bank 50 also outputs a voltage of 51V (as indicated by reference numeral 58). The power system 24 includes an interlock contact 36. Different voltage outputs are supplied to the interlock contact 36.

[0030] The interlock contact 36 uses a parallel bridge on the output side. Also, the interlock contact 36 lacks a crossover bridge for crossing over the AC phase. The selector switch 38 is coupled to the interlock contact 36. The selector switch 38 enables selection of a power source from the battery bank 50 and the AC power source 52 when supplying power to the float. Selection of a desired power source (i.e., the battery bank 50 or the AC power source 52) via the selector switch 38 and the characteristics of the interlock contact 36 enable switching between the battery bank 50 and the AC power source 52. Power is output from one source (either the battery bank 50 or the AC power source 52) via the interlock contact 36 in different voltage distributions, namely the main 12V distribution 66, the main 24V distribution 68, and the main 48 / 51V distribution 70. When the battery bank 50 is selected or switched to, power is supplied only to the float using the battery bank 50. When the AC power source 52 is selected or switched to, power is supplied only to the float using the AC power source 52.

[0031] The configuration of the float power system can be various. Figures 5 to 7 show different schematic diagrams of the float power system. Figures 5A to 5C are schematic diagrams of the float power system 24. The power system 24 includes a battery bank 50 (for example, a 51V battery bank) disposed outside the control box. The battery bank 50 is coupled to a charger 72. The battery bank 50 is coupled to electrical components within the control box via a connector 74. Also, the power system 24 located outside the control box includes a hook up 76 for AC power (for example, building power or shore power).

[0032] Power from the battery bank 50 is supplied to a DC / DC converter 78 that ensures a correct output voltage is supplied from the battery bank 50. As shown, the DC / DC converter 78 includes a set of DC / DC converters 80, 82 for an output at 12V and a single DC / DC converter 84 for an output at 24V. The DC / DC converter 78 is also coupled to an interlock contact 36 in addition to the battery bank 50.

[0033] Power from the AC power source via the hook up 76 is supplied to an AC / DC converter 86 that ensures a correct output voltage is supplied from the AC power source. As shown, the AC / DC converter 86 includes a set of AC / DC converters 88, 90 for an output at 12V, a single AC / DC converter 92 for an output at 24V, and a single AC / DC converter 94 for an output at 48V. The AC / DC converter 86 is also coupled to the interlock contact 36 in addition to the AC power source (via the hook up 76). A portion of the DC / DC converter 78 and the AC / DC converter 86 are coupled to a further interlock contact 95.

[0034] The interlocking contacts 36, 95 utilize a parallel bridge on the output side. Also, the interlocking contact 36 lacks a crossover bridge for crossing the AC phase. The power system 24 includes a selector switch 38 coupled to the interlocking contacts 36, 95. The selector switch 38 enables selection of the power source to be used when supplying power to the float from a battery bank 50 and an AC power source. The selection of the desired power source (i.e., the battery bank 50 or the AC power source) via the selector switch 38 and the characteristics of the interlocking contacts 36, 95 enable switching between the battery bank 50 and the AC power source. Power is output from a single power source (either the battery bank 50 or the AC power source) via the interlocking contacts 36, 95 at different voltage distributions (e.g., 12V, 24V, and 51V as shown in FIGS. 5A - 5C). When the battery bank 50 is selected or switched to, power is supplied only to the float using the battery bank 50. When the AC power source is selected or switched to, power is supplied only to the float using the AC power source. Note that the contact 36 includes time delay auxiliary contact blocks 97 on each side. The time delay auxiliary contact blocks 97 are used on the float in conjunction with two or more contacts. The time delay auxiliary contact blocks 97 are configured to prevent large current spikes from occurring during mode switching by forcing a slight interruption in how quickly the second contact can be activated.

[0035] Power from the selected power source is supplied to an output rail 96 for distribution to various components of the float. The power system 24 can also include various other components such as a distribution block, a terminal block (TB), a miniature circuit breaker (MCB), fuses, relays, LEDs (e.g., as indicator lights, work lights, etc.), fans, and other components.

[0036] Figures 6A and 6B are schematic diagrams of the float power system 24. Figures 6A-1, 6A-2, and 6A-3 show the primary power system 98 of the power system 24. Figures 6B-1, 6B-2, and 6A-3 show the further or secondary power system 100 of the power system 24 for the dimmer system. The primary power system 98 includes a battery bank 50 (e.g., a 51V battery bank) and a further battery bank 102 disposed outside the control box. In some embodiments, the battery banks 50, 102 can be disposed within the control box. The battery banks 50, 102 are coupled to a charger 72. The battery banks 50, 102 are coupled to electrical components within the control box via a connector 74. Also, the power system 24 located outside the control box includes a hookup 76 for AC power (e.g., building power or shore power).

[0037] Power from the battery banks 50, 102 is supplied to a DC / DC converter 78 that ensures that the correct output voltage is supplied from the battery banks 50, 102. As shown, the DC / DC converter 78 includes a single DC / DC converter 104 for an output at 12V and a set of DC / DC converters 106, 108 for an output at 24V. The DC / DC converter 78 is also coupled to an interlock contact 36 in addition to the battery banks 50, 102.

[0038] Power from the AC power source via the hookup 76 is supplied to an AC / DC converter 86 that ensures that the correct output voltage is supplied from the AC power source. As shown, the AC / DC converter 86 includes a single AC / DC converter 110 for an output at 12V, a set of AC / DC converters 112, 114 for an output at 24V, and a single AC / DC converter 116 for an output at 48V. The AC / DC converter 86 is also coupled to an interlock contact 36 in addition to the AC power source (via the hookup 76). Some of the DC / DC converter 78 and the AC / DC converter 86 are coupled to a further interlock contact 95.

[0039] The interlocking contacts 36, 95 utilize a parallel bridge on the output side. Also, the interlocking contacts 36, 95 lack a crossover bridge for crossing over the AC phase. The power system 24 includes a selector switch 38 coupled to the interlocking contacts 36, 95 (e.g., for the primary power system 98). The selector switch 38 enables the selection of a power source to be used when supplying power to the float from the battery banks 50, 102 and the AC power source. The selection of the desired power source (i.e., the battery banks 50, 102 or the AC power source) via the selector switch 38 and the characteristics of the interlocking contacts 36, 95 enable switching between the battery banks 50, 102 and the AC power source. Power is output from a single power source (either the battery banks 50, 102 or the AC power source) via the interlocking contacts 36, 95 at different voltage distributions (e.g., 12V, 24V, and 51V as shown in FIGS. 6A-1, 6A-2, and 6A-3). When the battery banks 50, 102 are selected or switched to, power is supplied only to the float using the battery banks 50, 102. When the AC power source is selected or switched to, power is supplied only to the float using the AC power source. The power from the selected power source is supplied to the output rail 96 for distribution to various components of the float. Note that the contact 36 includes a time delay auxiliary contact block 97 on each side. The time delay auxiliary contact block 97 is used on the float in conjunction with two or more contacts. The time delay auxiliary contact block 97 is configured to prevent large current spikes from occurring during mode switching by forcing a slight interruption in how quickly the second contact can be activated.

[0040] The power system 24 also includes a further selector switch 118 (shown in FIG. 6A-2) that enables selection of a power source to be used in a further power system 100 for the dimmer system from battery banks 50, 102 and an AC power source. The selection (via selector switch 118) enables the battery banks 50, 102 and the AC power source to be switched such that an interlocking contact 120 (shown in FIG. 6B-1) receives power for the secondary power system 100 using the selected power source. In the DC mode where power is selected from the battery banks 50, 102, power is supplied to a DC / DC converter 122 (shown in FIG. 6B-2) to provide the correct output voltage to the components of the dimmer system. In the AC mode where power is selected from the AC power source, power is supplied to an AC / DC converter 124 (shown in FIG. 6B-2) for supply to the components of the dimmer system. The interlocking contact 120 removes both the crossover bridge and the parallel bridge. The interlocking contact 120 interlocks to ensure that only one power source can be energized at a time.

[0041] The power system 24 can include various other components such as a distribution block, a terminal block (TB), a miniature circuit breaker (MCB), fuses, relays, LEDs (such as indicator lights, work lights, etc.), fans, and other components.

[0042] FIGS. 7A-7C are schematic diagrams of a power system 24 for a float (e.g., having a single interlocking contact). The power system 24 of FIGS. 7A-7C is similar to the power system 24 of FIGS. 5A-5C. The power system 24 of FIGS. 7A-7C includes a single interlocking contact 36 coupled to each of the DC / DC converters 78 and each of the AC / DC converters 86.

[0043] FIG. 8 is a control method 126 for a power system (e.g., the power system 24 of FIGS. 2-7) for a float (e.g., a parade float). The method includes receiving a selection of a power mode from an alternating current (AC) mode and a direct current (DC) mode via a selector switch coupled to an interlocking contactor (block 128). The interlocking contactor is coupled to a plurality of DC / DC converters and a plurality of AC / DC converters. The plurality of DC / DC converters and the plurality of AC / DC converters are configured to supply power to the float at a correct output voltage. When the DC mode is selected, method 126 includes outputting power to the float via a plurality of DC / DC converters coupled to a battery bank disposed on the float (block 130). When the AC mode is selected, method 126 includes outputting power to the float via a plurality of AC / DC converters coupled to an AC power source (block 132). The interlocking contactor enables only one power source from the battery bank and the AC power source to supply power to the float simultaneously.

[0044] The technology claimed and shown in this specification refers to and is applicable to tangible articles and specific examples of a practical nature that surely improve the art and are thus not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Further, if any claim appended hereto includes one or more elements designated as "means for [performing a function]" or "step for [performing a function]," such elements should be construed in accordance with 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). On the other hand, for any claim that includes elements designated in any other form, such elements should not be construed in accordance with 35 U.S.C. § 112(f).

[0045] Although only some features of the disclosed subject matter have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the disclosed subject matter.

Description of the Reference Numerals

[0046] 10 Float 12 Optical feature 14 Feature including mechanical elements 16 Movement 18 Compartment 20 Tire 22 Wheel

Claims

1. A power system for a parade float, comprising: a first power source; a second power source; an interlocking contactor; a selector switch coupled to the interlocking contactor; and configured to: The interlocking contactor is configured to switch between the first power source and the second power source to output power to the parade float using the selected power source in response to selection of power from the first power source and the second power source using the selector switch. Power system.

2. The power system according to claim 1, wherein the interlocking contactor is configured to utilize a parallel bridge on the output side of the interlocking contactor.

3. The power system according to claim 2, wherein the interlocking contactor lacks a crossover bridge for crossing over an alternating current (AC) phase.

4. The power system according to claim 1, wherein the first power source includes a first battery bank and the second power source includes a second battery bank.

5. The power system according to claim 1, wherein the first power source includes a battery bank and the second power source includes an AC power source from a building.

6. The power system according to claim 5, further comprising one or more direct current (DC) / DC converters coupled to both the first power source and the interlocking contactor and configured to supply power to the parade float at a correct output voltage when the first power source is selected.

7. The power system according to claim 6, further comprising one or more AC / DC converters coupled to the interlocking contactor and coupled to the second power source and configured to supply power to the parade float at a correct output voltage when the second power source is selected.

8. The power system according to claim 7, wherein one or more of the correct output voltages are different.

9. The power system according to claim 1, wherein the power system is configured to supply power to the parade float using only one power source at a time from the first power source and the second power source.

10. A parade float, comprising: a power system, the power system comprising: a battery bank; a plurality of direct current (DC) / DC converters coupled to the battery bank and configured to supply power to the parade float at a correct output voltage. A plurality of AC / DC converters configured to be coupled to an alternating current (AC) power source and supply power to a parade float at a correct output voltage; At least one DC / DC converter among the plurality of DC / DC converters, and an interlocking contactor coupled to at least one AC / DC converter among the plurality of AC / DC converters; A selector switch coupled to the interlocking contactor; Comprising; The interlocking contactor is configured to switch between the battery bank and the AC power source to output power to the parade float using the selected power source in response to selection of power from the battery bank and the AC power source using the selector switch. Parade float.

11. The parade float according to claim 10, wherein the interlocking contactor is configured to utilize a parallel bridge on the output side of the interlocking contactor.

12. The parade float according to claim 11, wherein the interlocking contactor lacks a crossover bridge for crossing over an alternating current (AC) phase.

13. The parade float according to claim 10, wherein one or more of the correct output voltages are different.

14. The parade float according to claim 10, wherein the power system is configured to supply power to the parade float using only one power source at a time from the battery bank and the AC power source.

15. The parade float according to claim 10, further comprising an additional battery bank coupled to the plurality of DC / DC converters.

16. The parade float according to claim 10, further comprising an additional interlocking contactor coupled to at least one DC / DC converter among the plurality of DC / DC converters, at least one AC / DC converter among the plurality of AC / DC converters, and the selector switch.

17. The power system includes a primary power system, the parade float includes a secondary power system, and the secondary power system includes: An additional interlocking contactor configured to be coupled to the battery bank and coupled to the AC power source; An additional selector switch; Comprising; The further interlocking contactor is configured to switch between the battery bank and the AC power source to receive power from the selected power source for supplying power to the secondary power system in response to the selection of the power source from the battery bank and the AC power source using the further selector switch. The parade float according to claim 10.

18. The primary power system is configured to supply power to the optical features on the parade float, and the secondary power system includes a dimming power system configured to adjust the output of the optical features. The parade float according to claim 17.

19. The parade float according to claim 10, comprising a plurality of optical features, and the power system is configured to supply power to the plurality of optical features.

20. A method for controlling a power system for a parade float, Receiving a selection of a power mode from an alternating current (AC) mode and a direct current (DC) mode via a selector switch coupled to an interlocking contactor coupled to a plurality of DC / DC converters and a plurality of AC / DC converters configured to supply power to the parade float at a correct output voltage; In response to the DC mode being selected, outputting power to the parade float via the plurality of DC / DC converters coupled to a battery bank disposed on the parade float; In response to the AC mode being selected, outputting power to the parade float via the plurality of AC / DC converters coupled to an AC power source; Including The interlocking contactor enables only one power source from the battery bank and the AC power source to supply power to the parade float at the same time. Method

Images