Bathing System Transformer Device with Auxiliary Power Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Bathing installations, such as spas and whirlpool baths, face challenges in connecting electrical devices to pre-installed power outlets due to their remote location and limited availability, necessitating a solution for efficient power distribution.

Innovation Solution

The integration of an auxiliary line voltage power outlet in bathing system load devices, such as water pumps and air blowers, which allows for the connection of additional line voltage devices, with power management configurations that ensure the total electrical load does not exceed the rated capacity of the outlet, using a 'pigtail' connector and capacitor-assisted motor drive circuits for efficient power distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additional power outlets are installed in bathing installations, then power availability improves, but installation complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower availabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the power distribution system into segments by providing multiple independent power outlets (primary and auxiliary) within the bathing installation. Each outlet can independently power different devices, allowing power availability to improve without requiring a complete reinstallation of the electrical system. The segmentation enables flexible connection of multiple devices to different outlets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If multiple devices are connected to existing power outlets, then power distribution capacity increases, but electrical load management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower distribution capacityVSAvoidload management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a power management system that acts as an intermediary between the power source and multiple connected devices. This intermediary monitors and controls the electrical load distributed across different outlets, ensuring that the total load does not exceed the rated capacity. The power management system automatically manages power distribution, reducing the complexity of manual load management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If devices are located remotely from power outlets, then installation flexibility improves, but connection difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidconnection difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extends the power distribution in a spatial dimension by providing multiple power outlets at different locations within the bathing installation. This dimensional expansion allows devices to be connected at various points throughout the installation, improving installation flexibility. The auxiliary power outlet specifically addresses remote location requirements by providing power access in areas distant from the primary outlet.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Enables the efficient and safe powering of multiple line voltage devices within bathing installations by providing an auxiliary power connection that is either synchronized with the primary power or independently controlled, ensuring compliance with electrical safety standards and reducing the need for additional power outlets.

Implementation Method 1

a voltage transformer device with a housing, a primary wiring set for connection to a line voltage source, and a secondary wiring set for providing isolated low voltage power outputs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8890357B2Bathing system transformer device with first and second low voltage output power connections
Publication Date: 2014.11.18 BALBOA WATER GROUP LLC
  • US8890357B2 patent drawing
  • US8890357B2 patent drawing
  • US8890357B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A line voltage transformer device for a bathing installation includes a housing structure, with a line voltage electrical power connection including a line voltage wiring cable having an electrical connection at a distal end for connection to a line voltage AC supply outlet adjacent the bathing installation. A voltage transformer circuit is disposed within the housing and connected to the line voltage electrical power connection and is configured to transform AC line voltage electrical power from the line voltage electrical power connection to low voltage AC power at first and second low voltage AC terminals, wherein the low voltage AC power is delivered to the first and second low voltage AC terminals. A first low voltage wiring connection set is attached to the first and second low voltage AC terminals, the first wiring set including a first low voltage outlet connector for electrical connection to a first separate low voltage bathing installation device to provide low voltage AC power to the first separate device. A second low voltage wiring set is attached to the first and second low voltage AC terminals, the second wiring set including a second low voltage connector for connection to a second separate low voltage bathing installation device to provide low voltage AC power to the second separate device.