Connection Apparatus with Timed Optical Notification for Low Power

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Power supply modules, such as solar cell modules, have limited power availability, making it challenging to allow users to recognize secure connection to a connection apparatus at low power consumption.

Innovation Solution

A connection apparatus with a light emission element and a light emission controller that emits light for a predetermined time upon detection of a power supply module connection, reducing power consumption by turning off the light after recognition, and an output controller that cuts off power supply to the load for a longer predetermined time to ensure light emission regardless of the load type.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a buzzer is used to produce sound when the connector has been connected, then users can recognize the connection, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection recognitionVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the acoustic notification system (buzzer) with an optical notification system (light emission element). This substitution allows users to recognize connector connection through light emission rather than sound, achieving the same information transmission function while significantly reducing power consumption, especially important for power supply modules with limited power availability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The light emission element is controlled to emit light only for a first predetermined time period after connection detection, rather than continuously. This periodic action provides sufficient notification to users while minimizing power consumption by keeping the light emission element off during periods when connection recognition is no longer needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Loss of information

If the light emission element emits light continuously, then users can always recognize the connection status, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection status recognitionVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The light emission element operates periodically rather than continuously - it emits light for a first predetermined time after connection detection, then turns off. This periodic operation provides adequate connection status information to users while dramatically reducing power consumption compared to continuous operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary connection detection and provides notification during a specific time window (the first predetermined time). After this preliminary notification period, the system assumes connection recognition has been achieved and stops light emission, avoiding unnecessary continued power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If power is supplied to the load immediately upon connection, then the load operates continuously, but the light emission element may not emit light for certain load types

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload operation continuityVSAvoidlight emission assurance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary connection detection and light emission notification before supplying power to the load. By detecting connection first and emitting light during a first predetermined time, the system ensures notification occurs regardless of what type of load is connected, preventing scenarios where immediate power supply might interfere with light emission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the power supply timing into distinct phases: a first predetermined time period for light emission notification, and a second predetermined time period (longer than the first) for load power supply. This segmentation ensures that light emission occurs reliably during the notification phase before full power is supplied to the load

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 users to recognize the connection of a power supply module at low power consumption without continuous power wastage, using a light emission element and output controller configuration that ensures efficient power management.

Implementation Method 1

a light emission element; and a light emission controller for controlling the light emission element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS11196251B2Connection apparatus

Publication Date: 2021.12.07 ZEON CORP

AI summary

Disclosed is a connection apparatus capable of supplying power supplied from a power supply module to a load. The connection apparatus includes: a connection unit connectable with the power supply module; a light emission element; and a light emission controller for controlling the light emission element, wherein the light emission controller causes, upon detection of a connection of the power supply module to the connection unit, the light emission element to emit light for a first predetermined time.