AC/DC Power Port Layout With Matched Switches for Easier Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a demand for improving the performance of power output devices, power input devices, and power output/input devices to better meet user needs.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves a power output device with two terminals for different types of output power and corresponding user input devices to manage these outputs, as well as a power input device with terminals for different types of input power and user input devices for managing these inputs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple terminals for different power types are provided, then power output versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower output versatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into multiple independent terminal units, each capable of providing different power types (AC/DC). Each terminal has its own control unit, allowing independent operation and reducing the complexity of centralized control while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each terminal is designed with multi-functionality to handle both AC and DC power output through a single interface. The control unit can dynamically switch between power types, making each terminal universal and reducing the need for multiple specialized terminals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If multiple control devices for power management are provided, then user control capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser control capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple control functions are merged into integrated control units associated with each terminal. The control unit combines power type selection, output regulation, and status monitoring in a single device, simplifying the user interface while maintaining comprehensive control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control units are designed to automatically detect power requirements and adjust output parameters without requiring complex user intervention. The system provides self-service by autonomously managing power distribution based on connected device requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12224609B2Power output device, power input device, and power output/input device

Publication Date: 2025.02.11 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A better power output device is provided. A charging and power supply device having a power source in a housing, wherein the housing has USB power output terminals to which a load that receives DC output power is connected, AC power output terminals to which a load that receives AC output power is connected, a USB switch that receives an instruction from a user to output power from the USB power output terminals, and an AC switch that receives an instruction from the user to output power from the AC power output terminals, and the USB switch and the AC switch are disposed so as to match the arrangement order of the USB electric power output terminals and the AC electric power output terminals in the arrangement direction of the USB power output terminals and the AC power output terminals.