Air conditioner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioners require additional components to prevent circuit failure due to excessive voltage when switching between communication and power supply modes, increasing complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioner design with a switch assembly between power converter and connection terminals, allowing AC power to be applied through separate terminals for communication and power supply, reducing the need for additional components by using a single switch to manage both functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the communication signal line is used to supply power to the outdoor unit, then power consumption during standby is reduced, but excessive voltage may be applied to the communication circuit causing circuit failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply function from the communication function by providing separate connection terminals (first, second connection terminals for power; third connection terminal for communication). This allows the communication signal line to be used for power supply without exposing the communication circuit to excessive voltage, as the power supply path is physically separated from the communication circuit path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a switch assembly with first and second switches as intermediaries to control the power supply path. The first switch controls power supply to the power converter, and the second switch controls power supply to the communication circuit. This intermediary control mechanism prevents excessive voltage from reaching the communication circuit while still enabling power supply through the communication signal line.
2Reliability
If resistance elements and high-voltage components are added to prevent circuit failure, then communication circuit reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power supply control function from the communication circuit by providing separate connection terminals and a dedicated switch assembly. This extraction eliminates the need for protective components (resistance elements, high-voltage components) in the communication circuit, as the power supply path is separated and controlled independently, thereby reducing device complexity and cost.
3Device complexity
If a single switch is used to control both communication and power supply functions, then device complexity is reduced, but it becomes difficult to independently control power supply to different circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control function by providing a switch assembly with multiple switches (first switch for power converter, second switch for communication circuit). Each switch can be controlled independently based on operational requirements, allowing the system to supply power to the power converter, communication circuit, or both simultaneously, thereby maintaining adaptability while keeping the overall device complexity low.
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 design reduces the number of components needed to prevent circuit failure, simplifying the system and lowering costs while maintaining effective power management during standby modes.
Implementation Method 1
a first switch that is closed when receiving power supply from the second connection terminal and the fourth connection terminal
Implementation Method 2
the outdoor unit closes the second switch when the first switch is closed to start supply of AC power to the power converter
Data Source
AI summary
An outdoor unit includes: first, second, third, and fourth connection terminals all of which are connected to an indoor unit; a power converter; and a switch unit provided between the first connection terminal and the power converter. The indoor unit 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 provided between the first indoor unit terminal and the fourth indoor unit terminal. The switch unit includes: a first switch that is closed when receiving power supply from the second and fourth connection terminals; and a second switch 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.