AC/DC Input Socket With Signal Switch for Arc-Free HVDC Disconnect
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ICT devices are not compatible with both alternating current (AC) and high-voltage direct current (HVDC) power supplies, making them inflexible in adapting to different ICT equipment rooms, which can lead to incompatibility issues and potential electrical hazards.
Innovation Solution
A direct current connector and AC/DC input system that includes a signal switch in the appliance input socket, allowing the ICT device to disconnect from the conductive electrode when in a no-load state, preventing dangerous arcs and enabling compatibility between AC and HVDC inputs by using a control signal generated when the connector is separated, along with a control circuit and semiconductor switch for secure disconnection and power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ICT devices use dedicated HVDC appliance input sockets or AC appliance input sockets compliant with IEC 60320 standard, then they can adapt to specific power supply types, but they cannot flexibly adapt to both AC and HVDC power supplies in different ICT equipment rooms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs an appliance input socket that can universally accept both AC connectors and HVDC connectors through the same interface. The socket structure includes contact elements that can identify and properly connect with different connector types, enabling a single device to function with multiple power supply types without requiring separate dedicated sockets for AC and DC applications.
2Ease of operation
If the connector is separated from the appliance input socket, then the ICT device can be disconnected from power supply, but dangerous arcs may occur during electrode separation due to breaking current
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a control circuit that detects when a connector is being separated from the appliance input socket and preemptively reduces the breaking current to zero or near-zero levels before the electrodes fully disconnect. This preliminary action prevents dangerous arcs from occurring during the disconnection process while still allowing easy connector separation.
3Device complexity
If the appliance input socket uses a signal switch with the same contact depth as positive/negative electrode contacts, then the structure is simpler, but the control signal cannot be generated before electrode disconnection to prevent arcs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent configures the signal switch contact with a different contact depth than the positive and negative electrode contacts. Specifically, the signal switch contact is positioned at a greater depth, allowing it to maintain contact and generate control signals before the electrode contacts lose contact during connector separation. This local differentiation in contact depth enables reliable arc prevention while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
An alternating current/direct current input device includes an appliance input socket and an information and communications technology (ICT) device. The ICT device is powered by the appliance input socket. The appliance input socket includes a ground contact, a positive electrode contact, a negative electrode contact, and a signal switch. A contact depth of the signal switch in the appliance input socket is less than a contact depth of the positive electrode contact or the negative electrode contact in the appliance input socket. The signal switch is configured to generate a control signal when a direct current connector is separated from the appliance input socket. The control signal can be used to enable the ICT device to disconnect the appliance input socket from a conductive electrode of the direct current connector after the ICT device enters a no load state.