Indoor-Outdoor Power Switching Circuit for AC Communication Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In conventional air conditioners, the indoor unit supplies power to the outdoor unit using a communication signal line, leading to excessive voltage applied to the outdoor unit's communication circuit, necessitating additional components to prevent circuit failure.
Innovation Solution
The air conditioner employs a configuration with separate terminals and switches for power and communication, using a switch assembly with a first switch closed for power supply and a second switch in parallel to manage power conversion, reducing the need for additional components to prevent circuit failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If the indoor unit supplies power to the outdoor unit using the communication signal line, then power consumption during standby is reduced, but excessive voltage is applied to the outdoor unit's communication circuit causing circuit failure risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply and communication functions into separate circuits. The power supply circuit uses dedicated power terminals (first and second connection terminals) while the communication circuit uses separate communication terminals (third and fourth connection terminals). This segmentation allows the outdoor unit to reduce standby power by cutting power to the communication circuit while maintaining communication capability through the separate communication terminals, eliminating the voltage damage risk to communication components.
2Reliability
If separate terminals and switches are used for power and communication, then circuit failure is prevented, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality in the switch assembly. The first switch serves dual purposes: it controls power supply to the power converter and simultaneously acts as a protection switch for the communication circuit. The second switch provides backup functionality to ensure reliable power supply. This multi-functional design achieves circuit protection and reliability without proportionally increasing component count, as each component performs multiple protective and control functions.
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
This configuration reduces the number of components required to prevent circuit failure, while maintaining effective power management and communication between the indoor and outdoor units, thereby lowering costs and maintaining communication quality.
Implementation Method 1
a power converter; and a switch assembly provided between the first connection terminal and the power converter
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An outdoor unit (2) includes: first, second, third, and fourth connection terminals all of which are connected to an indoor unit; a power converter (31); and a switch unit (27) provided between the first connection terminal and the power converter. The indoor unit (1a, 1b) includes: a first indoor unit terminal connected to the first connection terminal; a second indoor unit terminal connected to the second connection terminal; a third indoor unit terminal connected to the third connection terminal; a fourth indoor unit terminal connected to the fourth connection terminal; and a switch (15) provided between the first indoor unit terminal and the fourth indoor unit terminal. The switch unit includes: a first switch (23) that is closed when receiving power supply from the second and fourth connection terminals; and a second switch (24) connected in parallel with the first switch. AC power is applied to the first and second connection terminals. The indoor unit closes the switch upon receiving a start signal, and the outdoor unit closes the second switch after supply of AC power to the power converter starts.