Cable Assembly Switch Circuitry Eliminates Phantom Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power cable assemblies continue to draw power from outlets even when electrical devices are turned off or disconnected, leading to phantom load, which is wasteful and increases energy consumption as the number of electronic devices grows.
Innovation Solution
A cable assembly with a switch circuitry that automatically disconnects input power when an electrical signal indicating the device is off is not received, ensuring power is cut to the cable assembly, reducing energy wastage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cable assembly remains connected to the power outlet for convenient access, then ease of operation is improved, but phantom load increases causing energy waste
Solution Approach 1:
The cable assembly automatically detects whether an electrical device is connected and powered on, and self-regulates its power draw from the outlet accordingly. When no device is connected or the device is off, the cable assembly automatically reduces phantom load to zero without requiring user intervention, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and energy waste.
2Reliability
If the cable assembly continuously draws power from the outlet, then reliability of power availability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable assembly incorporates detection circuitry that continuously monitors whether an electrical device is connected and powered on. Based on this feedback signal, the cable assembly automatically adjusts its power draw from the outlet - maintaining full power availability when needed and reducing to zero phantom load when not needed, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cable assembly is made detachable for portability, then adaptability is improved, but user convenience deteriorates when outlets are hard to reach
Solution Approach 1:
The cable assembly is designed as a detachable unit with separate connection points - one for the power outlet and one for the electrical device. This segmentation allows the cable assembly to be easily disconnected from hard-to-reach outlets and relocated, maintaining adaptability while improving ease of operation through simple plug-and-play connectivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable assembly for use with any power cable for an electrical device, the cable assembly including a remotely locatable switch for connecting or disconnecting the electrical device from power draw. Also, a cable assembly for a power device such as a charger for providing output power to an electronic device is disclosed, the cable assembly including two pairs of wires wherein a first pair provides output power for the electronic device and a second pair includes a switch for turning off the charger. The cable assembly allows the switch to be located remotely from a charger housing for the converter circuitry and remotely from a power source such as an outlet, and allows the switch to be generally co-located with and operable at the connector for connecting the power device with the electronic device.