Dispenser Power Distribution With Energy Storage for Concurrent Dispensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In locations with inadequate electrical outlets, such as hospitals and casinos, powering multiple dispensers simultaneously is challenging due to insufficient supply current, often resulting in only one dispenser operating at a time as excessive use of power cords and strips becomes unmanageable.
Innovation Solution
A power distribution apparatus comprising a supply coupler, energy storage component, and load coupler that converts AC to DC power and includes capacitors for energy storage, allowing the discharge of energy to support multiple concurrent dispense events by dispensers when the load exceeds the supply current.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple dispensers are connected to a single electrical outlet using power cords and strips, then the number of powered dispensers increases, but the system becomes unmanageable and excessive power cords are used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power delivery functions into a single power distribution apparatus. This apparatus includes a power converter that converts AC to DC power, an energy storage component that stores energy, and a load coupler with multiple coupling elements that can simultaneously power multiple dispensers. This merging eliminates the need for multiple power cords and strips while enabling concurrent operation of multiple dispensers.
Solution Approach 2:
The power distribution apparatus serves multiple functions: it converts AC to DC power, stores energy in an energy storage component, and distributes power to multiple dispensers through multiple coupling elements. This multi-functional design replaces the need for separate power cords, power strips, and converters for each dispenser.
2Productivity
If multiple dispensers operate concurrently, then productivity increases, but the supply current from a single outlet is insufficient to support the load
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage component in the power distribution apparatus performs preliminary action by storing energy in advance from the AC power source. When multiple dispensers operate concurrently and the load exceeds the supply current, the pre-stored energy is discharged to supplement the power supply, enabling sustained concurrent operation without being limited by the instantaneous supply current capacity of a single outlet.
3Device complexity
If a single power converter is used to power multiple dispensers, then the number of power cords is reduced, but the converter cannot supply sufficient current for concurrent dispense events
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage component acts as an intermediary between the power converter and the multiple dispensers. It receives power from the converter and can discharge stored energy to the dispensers when the converter's supply current is insufficient. This intermediary enables the single converter to support multiple concurrent dispense events by bridging the gap between limited supply current and high concurrent demand.
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 multiple dispensers to perform concurrent operations by providing additional power through energy storage, mitigating the need for excessive power cords and ensuring continuous operation of multiple dispensers without the limitations of single outlet supply currents.
Implementation Method 1
an energy storage component (e.g., a super capacitor, a series of one or more capacitors, etc.) coupled to the supply coupler
Data Source
AI summary
One or more techniques and/or systems are provided for providing power to a plurality of dispensers. For example, a supply coupler, such as an alternating current to direct current power converter, is coupled to an energy storage component and/or a load coupler of a power distribution apparatus. The supply coupler provides power over the load coupler to one or more dispensers for operation. The supply coupler provides power to the energy storage component for energy storage. Responsive to a load on the power distribution apparatus exceeding a supply current of the power provided by the supply coupler (e.g., multiple dispensers may attempt to perform concurrent dispense events), the energy storage component may discharge energy to provide additional power to one or more dispensers to facilitate concurrent dispense events. Because the power distribution apparatus may connect to multiple dispensers, a cord management device may be used for power cord management.