Configurable Transformer Winding for Multi-Voltage Alarm NAC Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio notification appliance circuits in alarm systems require separate product development for different voltage levels, increasing costs and time-to-market due to fixed transformer turn-ratios, and wide-voltage-range amplifiers incur high manufacturing costs and power loss.
Innovation Solution
A configurable transformer winding connection method that allows adjustable output voltage levels by connecting secondary or primary windings in parallel or series using switches or relays, enabling a single product to provide multiple voltage options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If separate product development is performed for different voltage levels, then voltage level specificity is improved, but product development cost and time-to-market increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal alarm system platform that can operate at multiple voltage levels (24V, 48V, 72V, 96V, 120V) through a single product design. The system uses a configurable transformer with selectable windings and a wide-voltage-range power supply that can adapt to different input voltages, eliminating the need for separate product development for each voltage level while maintaining voltage-specific performance
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed transformer turn-ratios are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different voltage levels deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic transformer configuration where the turn-ratio can be changed based on the required output voltage. The transformer includes multiple primary and secondary windings that can be connected in series or parallel configurations through switching circuits, allowing the system to adapt between different voltage levels (e.g., switching between 24V/48V/72V/96V/120V outputs) while using a single transformer core design
Solution Approach 2:
The transformer is divided into multiple independent windings (primary windings P1, P2 and secondary windings S1, S2, S3) that can be selectively connected. This segmentation allows the system to achieve different turn-ratios by connecting specific windings in series or parallel, providing voltage adaptability without requiring multiple complete transformer units
3Adaptability or versatility
If wide-voltage-range amplifiers are used, then voltage range coverage is improved, but manufacturing cost and power loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a configurable transformer as an intermediary device between the power supply and the amplifier. The transformer steps down the wide-voltage-range power supply output to a standardized voltage suitable for the amplifier, allowing the use of a cost-effective narrow-voltage-range amplifier while still supporting multiple input voltage levels. This intermediary approach reduces power loss by enabling efficient voltage transformation rather than relying on expensive wide-voltage-range amplifiers
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
Reduces product development costs and time-to-market by allowing a single product to accommodate different voltage levels efficiently, while maintaining low power consumption and avoiding additional power loss.
Implementation Method 1
The NAC includes at least one configurable transformer having at least one secondary winding and at least one primary winding
Data Source
AI summary
Some non-limiting aspects of the present disclosure allows an audio notification appliance circuit (NAC) to manage an output voltage for an alarm system by providing a low-cost and energy-efficient method to step up an amplifier output voltage to a required level using configurable transformer winding connections. With this method, only one product is needed to provide a first output voltage or a second output voltage and the amplifier power stage may operate at low voltage levels.