Converter Unit Status Lamp Terminal Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Emergency lighting converter units face increased costs and complexity due to the need for additional switches and terminals to select charging parameters and modes for energy storage devices, which are not efficiently addressed in existing systems.
Innovation Solution
A converter unit with a controlling means that sets charging parameters and modes by detecting the connection of a two-pole status indicator light to three terminals, eliminating the need for additional switches or terminals, and allowing for increased connection options and selectable modes through a table-based assignment or polarity detection using a light emitting diode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional switches or terminals are added to select charging parameters and modes, then the converter unit can support different battery types and charging modes, but the overall costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The status indicator light is designed to serve dual purposes: its primary function of indicating system status and a secondary function of configuring charging parameters. By detecting which terminals the light is connected to, the controlling means can identify different charging modes (e.g., NiCd constant current, NiMh pulse charge) without requiring separate configuration switches or terminals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the configuration function with the status indication function by using the same component (status indicator light) and the same physical infrastructure (terminals) for both purposes. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate configuration hardware, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional switches or terminals are added to select charging parameters and modes, then the converter unit can support different battery types and charging modes, but the housing assembly space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The status indicator light serves multiple functions including system status indication and charging parameter configuration. By using the existing light and its terminal connections for configuration purposes, the patent eliminates the need for additional space-consuming switches or terminals in the housing assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the configuration functionality with the status indication functionality, allowing both to share the same physical components and space. This merging approach prevents the need for additional housing space that would be required if separate configuration switches or terminals were installed.
3Ease of operation
If traditional switching mechanisms are used for selecting charging parameters, then the configuration can be changed, but the costs and complexity of the converter unit increase
Solution Approach 1:
The status indicator light automatically configures the charging parameters based on its terminal connections without requiring manual intervention or additional control mechanisms. The controlling means detects the light's connection state and automatically sets the appropriate charging mode, eliminating the need for manual switches or complex configuration circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical switching mechanisms with an electronic detection system. Instead of using physical switches or terminals to select charging modes, the system uses the controlling means to detect the electrical connection state of the status indicator light and automatically configure the charging parameters accordingly.
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
This solution reduces the complexity and cost of the converter unit by allowing easy configuration of the charge process without additional terminals or switches, while increasing the number of selectable charging parameters and modes, enhancing the functionality and efficiency of the emergency lighting system.
Implementation Method 1
the converter unit can comprise more than three terminals for connecting the two-pole status indicator light, wherein the controlling means is configured to differentiate between at least two connection options for connecting the two-pole status indicator light to the terminals
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a converter unit for providing a supply current to a load device (2) using an energy storage device (6). The converter unit (1) comprises a controlling means (7) configured to set at least one charging parameter and/or a charging mode and to control charging of the energy storage device (6) based on the set charging parameter and/or the set charging mode; and at least a first terminal (S1), a second terminal (S2) and a third terminal (S3) for electrically connecting a two-pole status indicator light (8), wherein the controlling means (7) is configured to detect to which of the first terminal (S1), the second terminal (S2) and the third terminal (S3) the two-pole status indicator light (8) is connected and is configured to set the at least one charging parameter and/or the charging mode based on the detection result.