AC Switch Box for Time-Sharing High-Current Outlets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing high current capacity outlets, such as 240 VAC or 480 VAC/600 VAC, are expensive and time-consuming to rewire for multiple loads, and using extension cords can lead to overheating and safety hazards due to excessive current draw.

Innovation Solution

A three-pole, double-throw (3PDT) switch or three-pole rotary switch is used to safely switch active wires between multiple outlets, allowing time-sharing of high current capacity outlets while ensuring only one load is powered at a time, with optional automatic disconnection based on current or temperature monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If an extension cord-like apparatus is used to split the outlet into two, then accessibility and ease of use are improved, but current overload and safety hazards worsen due to excessive current draw

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidsafety

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A switching mechanism acts as an intermediary between the single high-current outlet and multiple loads. The switch box with receptacles and switching device controls current distribution, ensuring only one load receives power at a time, preventing current overload while maintaining accessibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If wiring is done to support multiple loads simultaneously, then load capacity is improved, but cost and installation complexity worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload capacityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the control function from the power distribution. A single switched receptacle controls access to multiple outlets, dividing the complexity of managing multiple high-current connections into a simple switching mechanism that routes power to one load at a time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The switch box serves multiple functions: it acts as a power distribution point, a switching control center, and a protection device. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace complex wiring arrangements while supporting multiple loads

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If a single-pole, double-throw (1PDT/SPDT) switch is used to break current flow, then device complexity is reduced, but safety worsens since voltage remains present at one leg

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitch simplicityVSAvoidsafety

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The switching mechanism is designed with specific local qualities appropriate for high-voltage applications. The switched receptacle and associated switching device are configured to handle 240VAC or 480VAC properly, ensuring both poles are controlled simultaneously to maintain safety while keeping the switching mechanism relatively simple

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11855420B1Alternating current time-sharing outlets and switch box

Publication Date: 2023.12.26 NGUYEN VINCENT HUNG

AI summary

Methods and apparatus can be used to turn an existing 240 VAC or 480 VAC/600 VAC outlet into two or more time-sharing, i.e., one operating at a time, outlets. An AC switch box with two time-sharing outlets can be made with either a mechanical switch for switching which load receives power, or automatically, by a microcomputer system, for example. In the automatic AC switch box, the non-favored outlet may be typically powered on unless a load is detected at the favored/default outlet, when power to the non-favored outlet is automatically disconnected until the load is reduced or eliminated.