Appliance Power Sharing Control Under Outlet Power Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Domestic kitchen appliances with multiple load elements, such as heaters and motors, face limitations in power ratings due to regulatory constraints, preventing all elements from operating simultaneously within safe power limits.
Innovation Solution
A controller module dynamically allocates power among load elements based on priority conditions and real-time feedback, ensuring that the total power drawn does not exceed regulatory limits, allowing for operation of all elements while maximizing performance characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the power ratings of multiple load elements are increased to provide higher performance, then the total power capacity of the appliance is improved, but the appliance exceeds regulatory power limits for standard outlets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power allocation where the controller continuously monitors power consumption and adjusts the operation of individual load elements in real-time. This allows the appliance to dynamically shift power distribution between heating element, motor, and other components based on current operational needs, enabling the system to utilize higher total power capacity while staying within regulatory limits at any given moment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters of load elements dynamically - adjusting power levels, operational timing, and intensity of each component. By varying these parameters in response to power consumption feedback, the appliance can incorporate higher-rated load elements that sum to more than regulatory limits while maintaining compliance through parameter adjustment during operation.
2Productivity
If all load elements are designed to operate simultaneously at full power, then the appliance achieves maximum performance for each function, but the total power drawn exceeds regulatory limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic operation patterns where load elements are activated in sequences or cycles rather than continuously simultaneously. The controller manages timing and duration of operation for each component, allowing them to take turns operating at full capacity while maintaining overall productivity. This periodic activation pattern enables high-performance operations without sustained excessive power draw.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows individual load elements to operate at partial capacity or excessive capacity temporarily when needed, with the understanding that not all elements will operate at full power simultaneously. The controller allocates power budgets to each component, permitting some to exceed their individual optimal power levels while others operate below theirs, achieving overall system productivity without exceeding total regulatory power limits.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the power rating of each load element is limited to ensure total compliance, then regulatory requirements are met, but the performance capability of individual elements is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the total power budget into allocated portions for each load element. Instead of uniformly limiting all elements, the controller divides available power capacity among heating element, motor, and other components based on their specific needs and operational priorities. This segmentation allows each element to have adequate power allocation when required, maintaining performance capability while ensuring total compliance through controlled distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control where the controller monitors actual power consumption and operational status of each load element, then adjusts power allocation accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that individual elements can operate at high performance levels when power is available and needed, while automatically reducing or shutting down elements when approaching regulatory limits, thus maintaining both compliance and performance capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for power allocation across multiple loads. The method comprising the steps of: allocating available power between two or more power load elements, wherein a ratio of power allocated to a load element is based on a priority and measured parameters; and dynamically updating the power allocated to a load element as power requirements change.