DC Power Attachment Device for AC Sockets

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing AC power distribution systems require cumbersome and energy-inefficient power adapters to convert AC power to DC power for electronic devices, leading to excessive e-waste and energy loss, as well as the need for multiple adapters for different devices.

Innovation Solution

A DC power attachment device that reconfigures the power connection in an AC socket to deliver DC power directly to devices, eliminating the need for AC-to-DC converters and allowing multiple DC devices to access DC power from a single AC socket, with features like adjustable connectors and safety features for various voltage levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If AC power distribution is used with traditional power adapters, then AC power can be delivered to devices, but energy loss increases and device compatibility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy lossVSAvoiddevice compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The power attachment device provides multiple DC output connectors (USB-A, USB-C, barrel connectors) that can accommodate different device types simultaneously, making a single device universally compatible with multiple electronic devices while delivering DC power directly without energy-consuming AC-to-DC conversion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If power adapters are used for each electronic device, then each device can be powered, but device complexity and e-waste increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidadapter quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple power adapter functions into a single power attachment device that integrates multiple DC output connectors and adapters, allowing one device to replace multiple separate adapters and reduce e-waste

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Use of energy by moving object

If AC power is converted to DC power using power adapters, then DC power can be provided to devices, but energy efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidconversion loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the AC-to-DC conversion step from the power delivery system by providing DC power directly from the outlet, eliminating the energy-lossy power adapter conversion process and delivering DC power efficiently to devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Loss of energy

If DC power is delivered directly from outlets, then energy efficiency improves, but infrastructure complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconversion lossVSAvoidinfrastructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power attachment device serves as an intermediary component that interfaces between the existing AC outlet infrastructure and DC-powered devices, enabling DC power delivery without requiring complete infrastructure overhaul by combining DC power input with multiple DC output connectors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11476657B2DC power attachment device

Publication Date: 2022.10.18 ENTRANTECH INC

AI summary

A DC power attachment device provides a convenient solution in adapting DC powers from AC sockets connected to an existing power distribution circuit. It enables multitude DC devices to concurrently access multiple DC powers at the same or at different voltages on the same power attachment device, which may be coupled to a DC power source, an existing socket, or directly connected to a DC power distribution circuit. The method on the assembly of a DC power attachment device is also addressed.