Cascaded Power Blocks with Message-Controlled Modular Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
The proliferation of small electrical gadgets with individual power adapters leads to clutter and potential hazards in living spaces, while each device draws minimal power, necessitating a more organized and efficient power distribution system.
Innovation Solution
A cascaded building block system comprising power blocks and functional blocks that are modular, re-configurable, and communicate via message patterns to distribute power and control operations, allowing centralized and regional power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If individual power adapters are used for each small electrical gadget, then each device can be powered independently, but the living space becomes cluttered and potentially hazardous
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual power adapters are merged into a single centralized power block that can supply power to multiple devices simultaneously. The power block consolidates multiple power delivery functions into one unit, eliminating the need for separate adapters and reducing clutter while maintaining independent power supply capability for each connected device.
Solution Approach 2:
The power block is designed with universal functionality to power various types of small electrical gadgets through multiple coupling members. It can detect and adapt to different device power requirements, providing a multi-functional power distribution solution that replaces numerous single-purpose adapters.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a centralized power distribution system is implemented, then clutter is reduced and safety is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized power distribution system is segmented into modular functional blocks that can be independently connected through coupling members. Each block performs a specific function (power delivery, power detection, control), and the system as a whole achieves complexity management through modular architecture where each segment remains relatively simple while the integrated system provides comprehensive functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The power distribution system incorporates self-service capabilities through automatic device detection and power allocation. The power block automatically detects connected devices, determines their power requirements, and distributes power accordingly without manual intervention, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining an organized power distribution structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular functional blocks are used with message-based control, then system adaptability and re-configurability are improved, but communication and control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses parameter-based message patterns to control functional blocks, where different message parameters trigger different operations. This allows the same communication protocol to adapt to various device configurations and operational requirements by simply changing message parameters rather than requiring complex dedicated control logic for each scenario, thereby achieving high adaptability with manageable communication complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
One example embodiment relates to a cascaded building block system, comprising: (a) at least one power block comprising: (i) an electrical power generator that provides electrical power; (ii) a microcomputer that generates messages; and (iii) at least one output coupling member that outputs the electrical power and the messages; (b) at least one functional block releasably coupled to the power block or to an adjacent functional block, each functional block comprises: (i) at least one input coupling member and at least one output coupling member; (ii) a microcomputer that receives and interpret the messages sent by the power block; (iii) a power distribution module controllable by the microcomputer to distribute the electric power to the at least one output coupling member; and (iv) a peripheral module; wherein the power block controls and distributes the electrical power to each of the functional blocks via the messages sent by the power block.