Authorized DC Backup Supply for AC Universal Motors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Universal electric motors configured for AC power become ineffective when AC power is unavailable, and not all motors perform well or safely on DC power, posing risks to devices and users.

Innovation Solution

A smart DC power supply system that authorizes and selectively provides DC power to universal electric motors by communicating with devices through various methods, such as RFID, near field communication, or mechanical components, ensuring only authorized devices receive DC power, and automatically switches between AC and DC power based on availability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If universal electric motors are wired for AC power to ensure proper operation and safety, then the motors can operate reliably on AC power, but the equipment becomes useless when AC power is not available

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotor operation reliabilityVSAvoidpower source adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system is designed to accept multiple power sources (AC mains power and DC battery power) and automatically switch between them. The controller detects the availability of AC power and switches to DC battery power when AC is unavailable, enabling the equipment to operate reliably regardless of power source availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If DC power is supplied to universal electric motors without authorization checks, then the equipment can operate on DC power when AC is unavailable, but the motors may overheat or underperform causing safety risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower source flexibilityVSAvoidmotor overheating and underperformance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The controller continuously monitors the motor operation parameters and power source availability. When DC battery power is detected as the active power source, the controller adjusts motor operation accordingly and provides feedback control to prevent overheating. The system also monitors motor performance to ensure safe operation on DC power.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Object-affected harmful factors

If authorization components are added to the DC power supply system to ensure safe motor operation, then motor safety is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotor safetyVSAvoidpower supply system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller serves as an intermediary between the power sources and the motor. It manages the switching between AC and DC power sources, monitors authorization status, and controls motor operation to prevent harmful effects. This centralized control approach simplifies the overall system architecture while ensuring safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10277155B2Smart DC power supply for AC equipment

Publication Date: 2019.04.30 EMERSON ELECTRIC CO

AI summary

A system is disclosed comprising a DC power supply for supplying DC power to a device having a universal electric motor configured to operate on AC power. The system is configured to have a first authorization component associated with the device and second authorization component associated with the DC power supply so that DC power is supplied to device, or is continued to be supplied to the device, only when the first and second authorization components operatively engage.