Portable Charger Start Switch Lockout for Connected Charging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable chargers that receive AC power and output DC power are cumbersome for users, particularly at the start of charging, as they require connecting multiple units and operating switches, which reduces user convenience.
Innovation Solution
A portable charger with an AC input unit, DC output unit, power conversion circuit, and controller, where the start switch is disabled when either the AC input unit or DC output unit is unconnected, and includes a presentation device for different lighting states to indicate connection status, and a lock mechanism to prevent accidental operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the start switch is always enabled, then the user can easily start charging at any time, but power may be output wastefully when connections are not established
Solution Approach 1:
The start switch dynamically changes its operational state based on connection conditions. When both AC input unit and DC output unit are connected, the start switch becomes enabled; when either is unconnected, it becomes disabled. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the switch easy to operate when conditions are right while preventing wasteful power output when connections are incomplete.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors connection status of the AC input unit and DC output unit, and uses this feedback to control the enable/disable state of the start switch. This feedback mechanism ensures that power is only output when proper connections are established, preventing energy waste while maintaining ease of operation when connections are correct.
2Loss of energy
If the start switch is disabled when unconnected, then wasteful power consumption is prevented, but the user convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The start switch automatically transitions between disabled and enabled states based on real-time connection status. When the user properly connects both AC input and DC output units, the switch becomes enabled, allowing operation. This dynamic behavior prevents energy waste during improper use while restoring full convenience when proper connections are made.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically manages the start switch state without requiring user intervention. It self-monitors connection status and self-adjusts the switch enablement, eliminating the need for users to manually check connection status before operating the switch, thus maintaining convenience while preventing waste.
3Ease of operation
If the start switch is placed on the DC output unit for easy access, then user convenience is improved, but accidental operation may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The start switch on the DC output unit dynamically changes its operational state based on whether the AC input unit is properly connected. Even though the switch is easily accessible on the DC output unit, it remains non-functional unless proper connections are established, thus preventing accidental operation while maintaining user convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by disabling the start switch before the user can accidentally operate it. The switch is positioned for easy access but is prevented from functioning until proper connection conditions are met, thereby eliminating the risk of accidental power output while maintaining accessibility.
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
Enhances user convenience by simplifying the charging process, preventing wasteful power consumption, and allowing users to easily check connection states, while ensuring the start switch is only operational when both units are connected.
Implementation Method 1
The power conversion circuit converts the AC power input from the AC input unit into DC power and outputs the DC power to the DC output unit
Data Source
AI summary
A portable charger includes: an AC input unit; a DC output unit; a power conversion circuit; and a controller. The DC output unit includes a start switch. When the start switch is operated by a user, the start switch instructs the controller to control the power conversion circuit such that the DC output unit outputs DC power. However, when at least one of the AC input unit and the DC output unit is unconnected, the start switch is disabled.