AC Power Cord Assembly with Visible Light Tracing and Overcurrent Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional AC power cords are difficult to trace and do not provide power measurement capabilities, and they lack overcurrent protection when connected to multiple devices in the same room.
Innovation Solution
An AC power cord assembly with integrated visible light transmission and a control device that includes an AC to DC converter, power detector, USB interface, microprocessor, and overcurrent protection circuit, allowing for power measurement, lighting control, and prevention of excessive current flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional AC power cords are used to connect multiple devices, then power transmission function is achieved, but it becomes difficult to trace and identify the power cords
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates LEDs that emit visible light within the power cord assembly, enabling the cord to change its optical state from invisible to visible. This allows users to easily trace and identify the power cord by observing the emitted light, directly resolving the tracing and identification difficulty without affecting power transmission functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control device as an intermediary component that includes power detection and light emission control functions. This control device mediates between the power transmission function and the visibility function, enabling the power cord to simultaneously transmit power and emit visible light for easy identification through the second wire structure.
2Measurement precision
If conventional AC power cords are used, then power transmission is achieved, but power measurement capability is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power measurement function with the existing power cord structure by integrating a power detector into the control device. The detector utilizes the existing electrical pathways (first and second wires) to measure power consumption, thereby providing measurement capability without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a power transmission controller and a power measurement instrument. By making the control device universal, it can perform multiple functions including power detection, light control, and safety protection, thereby reducing the need for separate dedicated measurement devices.
3Reliability
If conventional AC power cords are used, then power transmission is achieved, but overcurrent protection is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary protection by incorporating an overcurrent protection circuit in the control device that proactively monitors current levels and prevents excessive current from reaching external devices. This preliminary action ensures safety before damage can occur, enhancing reliability without requiring complex reactive protection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device provides self-service safety protection through its integrated power detector and control circuitry, which automatically monitor and regulate current flow without requiring external intervention. The system serves its own safety needs by detecting overcurrent conditions and activating protection mechanisms internally.
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
Enables tracing and identification of AC power cords through visible lights, provides real-time power measurement, and ensures safe operation by preventing overcurrent flow to external devices.
Implementation Method 1
the AC to DC converter converts a first AC voltage to a first DC voltage for supplying power to the at least one first LED
Implementation Method 2
the at least one first LED and an AC to DC converter, wherein the AC to DC converter converts a first AC voltage to a first DC voltage for supplying power to the at least one first LED for emitting visible lights
Data Source
AI summary
An AC power cord assembly comprises a cable and a control device, wherein the cable includes at least one first wire for transmitting AC voltages and at least one second wire for transmitting visible lights, wherein the control device includes at least one first LED for emitting visible lights to the at least one second wire.