Automatic Power Transfer Circuit for Multi-Source Portable Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable power supplies face challenges in providing high capacity power while maintaining portability, often requiring multiple units due to limited energy storage, and suffer from emissions and noise issues with fuel-powered generators, which can disrupt operations and violate regulations.
Innovation Solution
An electrical device with multiple separable power inputs and outputs, featuring a switching circuit and controller that automatically routes power between sources, ensuring seamless transitions and uninterrupted supply, allowing connection of various power sources and consumers without specialized knowledge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple power supplies are provided to have enough energy capacity, then the power capacity is improved, but the device complexity and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power input capabilities into a single portable power supply device. The device accepts multiple power sources (mains power, vehicle battery, solar panels) through unified input interfaces and integrates them into one unit, eliminating the need for multiple separate power supply devices while maintaining high power capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable power supply is designed with universal input interfaces that can accept various types of power sources (AC mains, DC vehicle battery, solar panels). The device performs multiple functions by adapting to different power inputs and providing standardized output, making it a multi-functional power solution that replaces several specialized devices.
2Reliability
If automatic power transfer is implemented, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system implements automatic power source selection and switching without requiring user intervention. The control circuit continuously monitors the status of connected power sources and automatically transfers between them based on availability and priority settings, making the system self-managing and improving reliability while minimizing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device pre-configures power source priorities and automatic switching parameters before operation. The control circuit is programmed with fallback sequences and power source hierarchies in advance, allowing it to respond to power failures immediately without requiring real-time decision-making complexity during operation.
3Ease of operation
If separable power inputs and outputs are provided, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs universal input and output interfaces that can connect to various power sources and electrical loads using standard connectors. The separable design allows users to easily connect and disconnect different devices without specialized tools or knowledge, while the unified interface standard simplifies the overall connection process despite supporting multiple device types.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present teachings relate to an electrical device (100) comprising: a first electrical power input (101) connectable to receive electrical power from a first power source; a second electrical power input (102) connectable to receive electrical power from a second power source different from the first power source; at least one electrical power output (121, 122, 123) , each electrical power output being connectable to supply electrical power to an individual electrical power consumer; a switching circuit (105) operable to route electrical power from the first electrical input to at least one of the electrical power outputs; a sense circuit operable to detect a depletion signal indicating an interruption in the electrical power which is being provided at the first electrical input; a controller (110) operable to control the switching circuit to switch from the first electrical power input to the second electrical power input in response to the depletion signal, thereby routing electrical power from the second electrical input to at least one of the electrical power outputs. Related methods are also disclosed.