DC-AC Power Adapter with Selective Output for AC Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

The transition from alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) energy sources poses a compatibility issue for AC devices, as existing conversion methods are costly and energy-intensive, and conventional inverters are bulky.

Innovation Solution

An electrical energy transmission apparatus with a DC driving unit and an AC driving unit, connected to an adapter component that includes a detection unit, controller, and output selection unit, allowing for the conversion and selection of DC or AC power based on the AC device's requirements, ensuring compatibility and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional inversion manner is used to convert DC power into sine AC power, then AC devices can be powered, but costs are high, energy consumption is high, and inverter apparatus has large volume

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with AC devicesVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of power conversion by eliminating the inverter component entirely. Instead of converting DC to AC, the system directly outputs DC power to AC devices, leveraging the devices' existing rectification capabilities. This parameter change from 'DC-AC conversion' to 'DC direct output' resolves the energy consumption issue while maintaining compatibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes the inverter component from the power supply system. By taking out the unnecessary AC conversion stage, the system eliminates the associated energy losses, costs, and volume while still achieving the goal of powering AC devices through their built-in rectifiers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional inversion manner is used to convert DC power into sine AC power, then AC devices can be powered, but costs are high, energy consumption is high, and inverter apparatus has large volume

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with AC devicesVSAvoidinverter apparatus volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the inverter component from the power supply system. By taking out the unnecessary AC conversion stage, the system eliminates the associated energy losses, costs, and volume while still achieving the goal of powering AC devices through their built-in rectifiers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by not converting DC to AC, but rather outputting DC directly and letting the AC device's internal rectifier handle the conversion. This reversal of the power conversion sequence simplifies the external power supply apparatus significantly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If DC power is output to AC device, then compatibility is improved, but arc may form across switch contacts when main switch opens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with AC devicesVSAvoidarc formation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces periodic pulse action to the DC output, creating intentional current interruptions that prevent arc formation. The pulse width modulation technique ensures current does not persist when switches open, eliminating harmful arcs while maintaining effective power delivery to AC devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by using detection units to identify AC device characteristics before power delivery, and by implementing protection circuits that preemptively prevent harmful conditions. The system prepares appropriate pulse parameters in advance based on device detection, preventing arc formation before it can occur

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The apparatus provides a cost-effective, high-compatibility solution for powering AC devices using DC energy, reducing energy consumption and inverter size, while ensuring safe and efficient power delivery.

Implementation Method 1

an input component connected to a direct current (DC) energy storage component; the DC driving unit being arranged to converts energy of the DC energy storage component into a DC power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 2

the AC driving unit being arranged to converts energy of the DC energy storage component into an AC power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentEP3309947B1Power transmission apparatus and control method therefor, and power supply system
Publication Date: 2021.02.17 POSITEC POWER TOOLS (SUZHOU) CO LTD
  • EP3309947B1 patent drawingFigure 1-I
  • EP3309947B1 patent drawingFigure 1-II~2-II
  • EP3309947B1 patent drawingFigure 2-I

AI summary

This invention discloses an electrical energy transmission apparatus. The electrical energy transmission apparatus includes an input component which is connected to a direct current (DC) energy storage component, an output component which comprises an alternating current (AC) device interface used to connect an AC device, and an adapter component which transfers electrical energy from the input component to the output component. The adapter component comprises a DC driving unit and an AC driving unit. The DC driving unit converts energy of the DC energy storage component into a DC power. The AC driving unit converts energy of the DC energy storage component into an AC power. At least one of the DC driving unit and the AC driving unit is connected to the AC device interface. The invention also discloses a control method for an electrical energy transmission apparatus, and a power supply system comprising an electrical energy transmission apparatus. The benefit of this invention is: an alternating current (AC) device interface of an electrical energy transmission apparatus selectively outputs a DC power and a AC power, reduce the cost for providing power to a AC device.